Inversions


Parshva Shirshasana (Side Head Stand)

Side Head Stand
Level: Intermediate

Parshva = side of the body, or flank. Shirsha = the head.

Organizing the Pose


  1. Come into the pose from Salamba Shirshasana 1 (Head Stand 1).
  2. Turn the hips, waist and ribs to the right.
  3. Hold the pose for 20 to 30 seconds.
  4. Return to the center and repeat on the second side.
  5. Either continue on with other Shirshasana variations or come down out of the pose.

Practice Points


  • When turning to the right, ground down through the left forearm and widen the left collarbone to bring weight back into it. Reverse this when turning to the left.
  • Gently turn the top of the sternum away from the direction of twist to help keep the shoulder girdle even.
  • When turning to the right, turn the left hip around the right to get the pelvis to turn around better. Reverse when turning left.