Vinyala

Pose sheet

Supported Headstand II (Tripod)

Sālamba Śīrṣāsana IIसालम्ब शीर्षासन II

Balance on your crown and palms, with legs together and body vertical.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Crown and both palms; forearms remain off the floor.

Enter

  1. Kneel; place palms shoulder-width apart, fingers pointing forward.
  2. Place your crown down, forming a triangle; position elbows over wrists.
  3. Lift knees; walk feet closer, raising your hips without jumping.
  4. Rest each knee on its upper arm; draw thighs toward chest.
  5. Stack hips over shoulders; lift knees, then straighten both legs together.

Hold

  1. Press palms down; keep forearms vertical and elbows over wrists.
  2. Keep upper arms parallel to the floor and each other.
  3. Lift shoulders away from the floor and keep your head still.
  4. Join legs; align ankles, hips, and shoulders above your crown.

Exit

  1. Bend your knees and draw them toward your chest.
  2. Lower feet slowly, maintaining pressure through your palms.
  3. Lower your knees and rest in Child's Pose.
Breathing
Breathe continuously and evenly while holding the pose.
Gaze
Keep your gaze soft and your head still.
Duration
One minute initially; three to five with experience.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • WallPlace your back toward a wall to limit backward movement.
  • Preparation with grounded feetKeep feet, palms, and crown grounded; raise your hips.
  • Knees on upper armsRest knees on your upper arms; keep your legs tucked.
  • Folded blanketPlace a blanket folded in four beneath your crown.

Variations

  • Śīrṣāsana I: forearms grounded and fingers interlaced.
  • Śīrṣāsana III: palms close together, fingers pointing toward feet.
  • Straight-leg entry: lift both legs together, without momentum.

Signals of effort

  • Inverted, with weight on the head and hands.
  • Wrists extended under load.
  • Bent elbows maintaining support.
  • Legs raised without support under the feet.