Inversions


Mukta Hasta Shirshasana (Free Hands Head Stand)

Free Hands Head Stand
Level: Advanced

Mukta = Let loose, set free, liberated. Hasta = the hand or forearm. Shirsha = the head.

Organizing the Pose


  1. Come into the pose from any of the other Head Stand variations. If balance is an issue, set yourself up against the wall. If you are using the wall, it is important to be close to it so that you are not pushing your hips out into the middle of the room and sitting in the lower back when you bring your heels to the wall.
  2. Reach the arms out in front of you with the backs of the hands on the floor at shoulder width.
  3. Stay here for 20 to 30 seconds.
  4. Either return to your previous Head Stand variation, or come down out of the pose.
  5. Rest in Child’s Pose for several moments before coming up.

Practice Points


  • Ground the weight down evenly through the backs of the hands.
  • Reach the shoulder blades and triceps into the elbows as you draw the biceps back into the armpits and lift the outer collarbones.
  • Broaden the collarbones and balance the weight evenly between them.
  • Widen the neck, throat and upper back.
  • Stretch up strongly through the sides of the waist and legs.
  • Soften and widen the buttocks.
  • Soften and widen the chest, neck and throat.