Bhumi Pada Mastakasana – Half Headstand In Yoga

Bhumi Pada Mastakasana also known as the half headstand in yoga is an inverted asana. It is a part of the Inverted yoga poses (inverted group of asanas) mentioned in the book “Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. It focuses on reversing the action of gravity on the body; instead of everything being pulled towards the feet, the orientation shifts towards the head. Inverted asanas have many amazing benefits.

How to do Bhumi Pada Mastakasana – Half Headstand In Yoga

• Assume marjari-asana.
• Turn the toes under.
• Place the crown of the head on the floor between the hands. 
• Straighten the knees and raise the buttocks, balancing on the head and feet.
• Bring the heels together and separate the toes.
• Raise the arms and clasp the hands or take hold of one wrist behind the back.
• Come up onto the toes as high as possible.
• Hold the final pose for as long as is comfortable.
• Lower the arms and place the hands beside the head.
• Slowly return to marjari-asana and then lower into shashankasana for a few moments.
• This is one round.
• After completing the practice, lie in shavasana before continuing with the counterpose.

Breathing pattern while doing Bhumi Pada Mastakasana – Half Headstand In Yoga

• Normal breathing

Benefits of doing Bhumi Pada Mastakasana – Half Headstand In Yoga

• It’s a great preparatory practice for headstand.
• Improves spinal alignment.
• Strengthens the shoulders, neck and back.
• Tones the abdominal muscles.
• Improves balance and relieves swollen legs and varicose veins.
• Nourishes the lungs, throat, eyes and face.

Precautions while doing Bhumi Pada Mastakasana – Half Headstand In Yoga

• Avoid in case of chronic headaches or migraines
• Avoid in case of neck injury and chronic neck pain, wrist pain or injury
• Spinal injury
• Don’t practice if suffering from glaucoma, detached retina, conjunctivitis.
• Avoid in case of high blood pressure or any other heart condition