Ashtangayogatherapy’s approach to assessing proper head placement and optimal length of the breath while practicing head stand.

We are intuitive beings, it is very important that we continue to fine tune our intuitive nature. That said, a lot of our deeper knowing has been lost through lack of use, by following mans laws, by  taking for granted that ‘the teacher knows’, by living on cement, wearing shoes, breathing indoor pollution, not having to understand the stars and the waves of the ocean, the winds and the currents. We do not have to succumb to this; after all we are spiritual beings having a human experience which gives us the cosmic creativity to invent the tools necessary to transcend any obstacle.

What I am about to explain is a method of assessing whether or not a person is getting the most benefit out of doing head stand. This is a very important testing procedure. There will be more in the future that discusses cervical vertebra and disc compression etc. For now we will be considering cranial optimization of the head stand. We are becoming the new yoga therapists.

Test

1.     1.   Person is lying supine. Test the lower abdominal muscles by having the person raise the leg on the side that you are kneeling next to or standing next to if using a table (table is better in almost all muscle testing but not necessary). If you are at their right side, your right hand will cup their leg near the ankle. Your left hand will apply the downward pressure on the leg by placing it on the tibia (shin bone) at the distal third (near the foot but not on the ankle/instep. Lifting the leg (straight knee) with the right hand, having the left hand touching the leg; ask the person to resist your downward pressure and then slowly start to push down, ready with the right hand to catch/support the leg if the test is weak so the person does not get injured from the test (some people are injurd in this area and don’t know it). For the purpose of this article the lower abdominal muscle tests strong. If it didn’t and often doesn’t we would go a different direction to assess the cause of the weak abdominal muscle. Repeat on other side.

2.    2.   Have the person do basic bound hand headstand with hands clasped (could do this with other variations but this is the basic method). Note carefully the length of their breathing and the exact placement of their head (is the weight near the front or back at the soft spot etc.) while they breath five breaths.

3.     3.    Have them lie back down supine and re-test the lower abdominals. If the abdominal muscle is now weak based on your intuition and knowledge of head placement, adjust the placement of the head and based on the length of their breath ask them to lengthen or shorten the breath. All these factors are slightly different for each individual. I have noticed that a five to six second inhale and a five to six second exhale is generally optimal. This may vary from person to person but not much so be patient and repeat until the placement and length of breath brings back the strength of the lower abdominal muscle.

The placement of the head and length of the breath affects the saggital cranial suture. A sagittal suture cranial fault can and usually does cause the lower abdominal muscles to go weak. Correcting the headstand so the placement and length of breath does not cause a fault is important for optimal results from practice and to avoid any potential injury or disease from poor technique. Years of wrong practice as you know can be very dangerous.

Yes, a video would be helpful and will be eventually posted. Be patient please.