Handstand Pose (Adho Mukha Vrksasana)

Interesting Fact: Handstand Pose, or Adho Mukha Vrksasana, translates to “Downward-Facing Tree Pose” in Sanskrit. This inversion is not only a physical challenge but also a mental one, requiring focus, strength, and balance. Practicing handstands can give you a new perspective, both literally and figuratively, as you see the world from an upside-down view.

Benefits of Handstand Pose

Physical Benefits:

• Strengthens Upper Body: Builds strength in the shoulders, arms, and wrists.
• Tones Core Muscles: Engages and tones the abdominal muscles.
• Improves Balance: Enhances balance and coordination.
• Increases Blood Flow: Improves circulation, particularly to the brain, which can enhance mental clarity.
• Opens Chest: Expands the chest and improves posture.

Energetic Benefits:

• Boosts Confidence: Encourages a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-confidence.
• Enhances Focus: Requires intense concentration, improving mental focus and clarity.
• Energizes the Body: Stimulates the body’s energy flow, leaving you feeling invigorated.

Contraindications

• Wrist, Shoulder, or Neck Injuries: Avoid if you have injuries in these areas.
• High Blood Pressure: Not recommended for those with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Heart Conditions: Use caution if you have heart conditions.
• Pregnancy: Not suitable during pregnancy due to the intense core engagement.
• Menstruation: Some practitioners advise against inversions during menstruation.

Practice Guide

1. Getting into the Pose:

• Starting Position: Begin in Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) with your hands shoulder-width apart and your fingers spread wide.
• Hand Placement: Ensure your hands are firmly grounded, with your wrist creases parallel to the front edge of the mat.
• Walk Feet In: Walk your feet closer to your hands to increase the lift in your hips.

2. Preparing for Lift-Off:

• Shift Weight: Shift your weight onto your hands, keeping your shoulders over your wrists.
• Kick Up: Bend one knee and kick the opposite leg up towards the ceiling. Follow with the other leg, coming into a handstand.

3. Finding Balance:

• Align Body: Align your body by stacking your hips over your shoulders and your feet over your hips.
• Engage Core: Keep your core muscles engaged to maintain stability.
• Press Hands: Press firmly into the mat with your hands to lift your shoulders away from your ears.

4. Dristi (Gaze):

• Downward Gaze: Focus your gaze slightly forward or between your hands to help maintain balance.

5. Bandhas (Energy Locks):

• Mula Bandha: Engage the root lock by contracting the pelvic floor muscles.
• Uddiyana Bandha: Draw the lower abdomen in and up to support the core.

6. Mudras (Hand Gestures):

• No Specific Mudra: Hands are actively engaged in supporting the body, so no specific mudra is used.

7. Breathing:

• Steady Breath: Maintain a steady and even breath throughout the pose, inhaling and exhaling through the nose.

8. Counter Pose:

• Child’s Pose (Balasana): After holding Adho Mukha Vrksasana, come into Child’s Pose to release the spine and shoulders.

9. Exiting the Pose:

• Lower Legs: Slowly lower one leg at a time back to the mat.
• Return to Downward Dog: Come back into Downward-Facing Dog.
• Rest in Child’s Pose: Rest in Child’s Pose to relax and release any tension.

Pro Tips

• Use a Wall: Practice near a wall for support until you build the strength and balance needed to perform the pose independently.
• Focus on Alignment: Prioritize keeping your shoulders over your wrists and your hips over your shoulders.
• Engage Core: Keep your core engaged to support your lower back and maintain balance.
• Stay Relaxed: Keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid tensing your neck.