By Karen Watson Reeves
According to Karen Watson Reeves, the Headstand pose, while not a beginner’s pose, is challenging but can be rewarding. Photography: Fred Padilla.
Top O’ The Morning to Ya! And Happy March as we welcome all the shenanigans of St. Patrick’s Day back to the Spa City!!
Since we have our very own Blarney Stone in Hot Springs, it seemed like an opportune photo setting. I was curious about the significance of kissing the Blarney Stone, and as the rumor goes, the gift of gab (or eloquence) is bestowed on whoever kisses it.
The traditional way was to hold people’s ankles and hang them upside-down so they could kiss the stone. And since hanging upside down is one of my favorite and most therapeutic things to do, what pose besides Headstand (Sirsasana in the Sanskrit) could be more appropriate near the Blarney Stone!
Headstand is often referred to as the “King of all the yoga poses,” thus implying it is not a great first pose to learn. Without some gymnastics background, the practitioner will want to take some time with a knowledgeable instructor to gain proficiency in this posture. But the rewards are immense!
Headstands change your perspective and who doesn’t need to learn to look at things differently. When life throws those curveballs, it can be helpful to turn yourself upside down to help shift your mindset and to better deal with those things as they happen.
Headstands develop upper body and core strength. The shoulders and forearms support the weight of the body, taking pressure off the neck/cervical spine. Core strength is required to lift the legs into the straight-up position, and engaging the core muscles while in the position adds more endurance to the body.
Performing a headstand reverses gravity’s effects and that results in several benefits including:
• Lowers fluid build-up in the legs, ankles, and feet. Hanging upside down can flush out edema, the fluid build-up that can result when we spend long hours on our feet.
• Improves blood circulation to the brain. Reversing the blood flow allows your body to draw oxygenated blood to areas that don’t receive it as easily, like the brain.
• Keeps the skin looking toned and youthful. Headstands are often called “fountain of youth” poses, because of increased blood flow to the neck and face.
• Enhances your mood and relieves stress. Any exercise will release those “feel good” hormones, such as dopamine, melatonin, and serotonin. And overcoming a fear such as going head-over-heels brings quite a head-rush, even a natural high.
Headstands are challenging, but rewarding. A word to the wise though: If you decide to kiss the Blarney Stone, choose the spot carefully. I may have sliced my toe on the stone coming out of the headstand. Let me leave you with this Irish Blessing: “May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow. And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.” Especially if you go upside-down ☺
Karen Watson Reeves has called Hot Springs home since 2006. Owner of The Yoga Place, at 301 Whittington Avenue, she became a registered yoga/children’s yoga teacher in 2011. She is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff and is an adjunct instructor at National Park College. When not on the mat, Karen enjoys the beautiful outdoors of the National Park, especially from her bicycle. For more information about her studio and her schedule of classes, visit www.theyogaplacehs.com.
