Oordhwa Padmasana – Headstand Lotus Pose In Yoga

Oordhwa Padmasana (headstand lotus pose) is an inverted yoga pose. It is a part of the Inverted group of asanas mentioned in the book “Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. Oordhwa Padmasana 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 Oordhwa Padmasana – Headstand Lotus Pose In Yoga

• Perform sirshasana.
• When balance has been established, slowly fold the legs into padmasana.
• Remain in the final pose for as long as is comfortable. Straighten the legs and balance again in sirshasana. Return to the starting position as described for sirshasana.

Breathing pattern while doing Oordhwa Padmasana – Headstand Lotus Pose In Yoga

• Inhale deeply and retain the breath while raising the legs and coming into sirshasana.
• Practise normal breathing while balancing in sirshasana, folding the legs into padmasana, in the final pose and while releasing the legs from padmasana and resuming sirshasana. 
• Inhale and retain the breath while releasing back to the floor.

Sequence of Oordhwa Padmasana – Headstand Lotus Pose In Yoga

• Tadasana and then savasana should be practised as counterposes.

Precautions while doing Oordhwa Padmasana – Headstand Lotus Pose In Yoga

• This asana is for a strong, supple and healthy body only. Those who suffer from sciatica or weak or injured knees, enlarged thyroid, liver or spleen, cervical spondylitis, slipped disc, high blood pressure or other heart ailments, weak blood vessels in the eyes, thrombosis or impure blood should not practise it. 
• It should be avoided during menstruation and pregnancy. This asana should not be attempted until padmasana and sarvangasana have both been mastered.

Benefits of doing Oordhwa Padmasana – Headstand Lotus Pose In Yoga

• As for sirshasana, except that free drainage of blood from the legs is impeded. 
• This asana induces full expansion of the chest and back. It stretches and massages the pelvic region, benefiting the internal organs. 
• It strengthens and coordinates the leg muscles and improves the sense of balance.