Vinyala

Pose sheet

Bound-Hand Headstand (Crossed Arms)

Baddha Hasta Śīrṣāsanaबद्ध हस्त शीर्षासन

Balance on your crown and crossed forearms, holding the opposite upper arms.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Crown of the head, both elbows, and crossed forearms.

Enter

  1. Kneel; cross arms, gripping opposite upper arms near the elbows.
  2. Ground elbows and crossed forearms; place your crown just beyond them.
  3. Lift your knees, straighten your legs, and walk your feet closer.
  4. Press forearms down; exhale and lift both legs together without momentum.
  5. Bring your straight legs into a vertical position.

Hold

  1. Press forearms down; lift your shoulders away from the floor.
  2. Maintain your grip on both upper arms.
  3. Keep your legs together, knees straight, and feet pointed.
  4. Engage your abdomen without arching your lower back.

Exit

  1. Exhale; shift hips slightly back, keeping elbows grounded.
  2. Slowly lower both legs together, keeping them straight.
  3. Lower your knees and rest in Child's Pose.
Breathing
Breathe evenly throughout the hold.
Gaze
Look straight ahead without turning your head.
Duration
One minute.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • WallMaintain your grip; rest your heels against the wall.
  • Firm blanketFold it beneath your crown, elbows, and forearms.
  • Preparation with feet groundedKeep crossed forearms and crown grounded; raise hips, feet still grounded.

Variations

  • A: fingers interlaced behind the head.
  • C: parallel forearms, palms grounded, hands unclasped.
  • D: hands on back; crown and elbows support you.

Signals of effort

  • Full inversion.
  • Weight on the crown, elbows, and forearms.
  • Raised legs with feet unsupported.