Vinyala

Pose sheet

Free-Hands Headstand A–C

Mukta Hasta Śīrṣāsana Aमुक्तहस्तशीर्षासन A

Balance on your crown and palms, elbows bent and legs together overhead.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Crown and both palms; they form a triangular base.

Enter

  1. Kneel; place your palms shoulder-width apart.
  2. Place your crown ahead of your hands, forming a triangle.
  3. Stack bent elbows over wrists; lift knees and walk feet closer.
  4. Draw knees toward your chest; lift your feet without jumping.
  5. Raise your knees; straighten both legs together toward the ceiling.

Hold

  1. Press through your palms; keep shoulders lifted away from the floor.
  2. Keep elbows above wrists without letting them splay.
  3. Stack hips over shoulders; draw your lower ribs inward.
  4. Keep legs together and point your feet upward.

Exit

  1. Draw your knees into your chest and bring them together.
  2. Exhale; slowly lower your feet while keeping your hands grounded.
  3. Lower your knees and rest in Child’s Pose.
Breathing
Breathe slowly through your nose without holding your breath.
Gaze
Toward the tip of your nose: nāsāgra dṛṣṭi.
Duration
5 breaths per variation.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • Feet-grounded preparationWalk feet closer; keep crown and palms grounded, shoulders lifted.
  • Knees on upper armsRest your knees on your upper arms.

Variations

  • B: straight arms parallel forward; palms up, backs of wrists grounded.
  • C: straight arms spread sideways, palms grounded.
  • Entry: inhale and lift both legs together, keeping them straight.

Signals of effort

  • Inversion with weight on your head and hands.
  • Wrists extended under load.
  • Feet elevated without support.
  • B and C change the support base.