Vinyala

Pose sheet

Unsupported Headstand

Nirālamba Śīrṣāsanaनिरालम्ब शीर्षासन

Balance on your crown, legs vertical, with hands used only for balance.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Crown bears weight; palms touch only for balance.

Enter

  1. On all fours, place your crown on a folded blanket.
  2. Extend arms forward; place your palms shoulder-width apart.
  3. Straighten legs; walk feet forward until your torso is vertical.
  4. Press your hands down; lift feet and tuck your knees.
  5. Raise your knees; straighten them with your feet relaxed.

Hold

  1. Align your torso and legs above the crown.
  2. Keep knees extended and feet relaxed.
  3. Keep arms straight; your hands do not bear body weight.
  4. Keep your head centered without turning it.

Exit

  1. Bend your knees and slowly lower your feet to the floor.
  2. Bring hands beside your head and place knees on the floor.
  3. Rest briefly with your head down before returning upright.
Breathing
Breathe normally while holding the pose.
Gaze
Keep your eyes closed while holding the pose.
Duration
Hold briefly and comfortably; avoid prolonged holds.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • BlanketPlace a folded blanket under your crown.
  • Supported preparationKeep forearms grounded and fingers interlaced behind your head.
  • Preparation at a wallPractice the supported preparation with forearms grounded beside a wall.

Variations

  • Fingertips: arms straight forward, only fingertips touching the floor.
  • Prayer: palms together before your chest, without touching the floor.

Signals of effort

  • Inverted position.
  • Weight on the crown.
  • Feet and forearms off the floor.