Introduction to Sheershasana
Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar
Sheersha means top, or head and Asana means position, pose or posture. Hence Sheershasana means topsy-turvy pose. It has to be learned and practiced; in a gradual, systematic, careful and judicious manner to get its optimum health benefits. Steps 1. Get up in morning. 2. Make sure that the bowels are evacuated completely and satisfactorily. 3. Do not eat anything till at least half an hour after finishing the Sheershasana.
4. 5.
If possible take bath. Take a towel or a napkin and fold in such way that you can keep it as a soft and firm support under your head. 6. Sit in a squatting position. 7. Keep the folded towel in front. 8. Bend and keep your head on the towel. Rest the hands under your head. 9. Stretch your legs in the knees. 10. Gradually bring the feet closer to you head. You will experience increase in the weight on your head. This is called bhoosheerasana. Do only this much for about a week. 11. After a week; when you will be able to lift the legs,
comfortably, do so. The legs may be lifted half way. 12. After two weeks or so you can easily lift the legs completely and make them straight. *Sheershasana helps to aid and ease the blood circulation (which is against gravity in erect posture) because of gravity. *Sheershasana helps to prevent tendencies to prolepses/herniations due to gravity. *Sheershasana improves the circulation to the apical regions of the lungs, which do not
get adequate blood supply in erect position. *Sheershasana builds confidence and improve your body image besides the possible advantages in inner growth! Warnings Do not start alone. Do not start if you are too heavy. Do not practice after eating. Do not practice after alcohol. Do not give jerks or assume the pose suddenly. Sheershasana is said to be a king
of hatha-yogasanas. But you should do it only after knowing about it and on your own responsibility. Do not do it by getting enamored and/or with blind belief. Do NOT practice in pregnancy, lesion of neck, high blood pressure, high intraocular pressure and glaucoma and hiatus hernia. Do not start suddenly and without guidance. Do not start on a hard surface and or in the vicinity of sharp, glass, electric or burning objects.
Do no teach or practice in very young [Infancy] and very old [senility around 60 years] age. Things You'll Need A towel, space of about 10 x10 ft, open mind curiosity and desire to learn, experiment and verify.
Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar