Vinyala

Pose sheet

Revolved Headstand

Pārśva Śīrṣāsanaपार्श्व शीर्षासन

Twist your torso on your crown and forearms, keeping legs together and vertical.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Crown, both forearms, and little-finger edges of your hands.

Enter

  1. Kneel; ground forearms, elbows shoulder-width apart, with fingers interlaced.
  2. Ground your crown; cup the back of your head.
  3. Lift your knees; walk your feet closer and raise your hips.
  4. Lift bent knees without jumping; straighten your legs together.
  5. Exhale; slowly turn torso, pelvis, and legs, keeping your base stationary.

Hold

  1. Press forearms and hands down; keep your shoulders lifted.
  2. Keep your legs together and your knees straight.
  3. Lengthen your torso as you twist; keep your head stationary.
  4. Breathe normally, maintaining steady contact with the floor.

Exit

  1. Exhale, return to center; breathe and repeat on the other side.
  2. Return to center; bend knees and slowly lower your feet.
  3. Lower your knees and rest in Child's Pose.
Breathing
Exhale when turning and returning; breathe normally while holding.
Gaze
Straight ahead, parallel to the floor; don't follow the twist.
Duration
20–30 seconds per side; equal time on both sides.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • CornerTouch the outer edges of your hands to the corner's walls.
  • Shorter holdHold 5–10 seconds per side.
  • BlanketPlace it folded beneath your crown and both forearms.

Variations

  • Parivṛttaikapāda Śīrṣāsana: twisting with legs split forward and backward.
  • Pārśva Ūrdhva Padmāsana in Śīrṣāsana: twisting with Lotus legs.

Signals of effort

  • Inversion with weight on your crown and forearms.
  • Axial twist with a stationary base.
  • Neither foot grounded.