The 7 Headstands of the Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series (Plus the Learn Headstand in 10 Day Challenge!)

When 2016 rolled around, I set some intentions and traditions. One of the things I promised myself was to make sure I rewarded myself with some self-care each month. I made a list of what I was going to accomplish each month, and it looked something like this:

January: Massage

February: Manicure & Pedicure

March: Buy new yoga clothes

April: New fun hairstyle

And so on… 

Was it a coincidence that Yoga Outlet contacted me in March to feature a pair of yoga pants in exchange for a blog post? Maybe? But, I like to think I’m a manifesting mofo!

Of course, I said, “Yes, Please!”

I ordered the most vibrant and colorful pair of yoga pants I could find, and decided to use this opportunity to feature the 7 headstands in the Ashtanga Yoga Series. 

I know you love headstand because you told me, and because I check my analytics, so I know you’re gonna totally love this post!

These headstands come at the end of second series. It’s super important to make sure you’re totally grounded in headstand before you attempt these.

Unless you can get upside down easily, don’t worry about doing these 7 headstands! I have a challenge over youtube to help you learn step by step to get into headstand, and when you’ve rocked that – then try these. Just think of this now as something to look forward to. 

In Yoga Mala, Pattabhi Jois says, “The entire body must stand upside down on the strength of the arms alone. Aspirants should take great care with Shirshasana.”

The most important thing is that you’re not pressing your head into the ground, and that you’re maintaining balance by engaging mula bandha, and using the strength of your upper body. The head should be barely grazing the earth as you support yourself in other areas. 

You should feel light enough to float, but firm enough to stay grounded. 

Shirshasana (Headstand) has many health benefits, too:

• The eyes are purified by the inflow of warm blood
• Memory is increased
• The adrenal glands are flushed and detoxified
• Improve circulation
• Increase your digestive fire

[Tweet “If you’re new to headstand, check out my new challenge 10 days to headstand to get started!”]

I used to attend a second series class once a month, and my teacher would have us do each of them on their own, and then had us play with switching between the seven hand positions while we were still in headstand! 

Oh how I miss those days.

My favorite is the final one. It’s like I can give myself a little back massage while I’m there. I’m kidding. But, I really do use my hands to release some tightness that might be in my back. 

Finally, I just want to mention that I loved these yoga pants because they were so light. I live in Florida and it gets HOT here. These pants are so breezy, so I recommend them if you like to practice outside! 

Don’t forget! If you’re new to Headstand, you can do my 10 day challenge right on youtube! I created a playlist. You can do it over 10 days or watch all at once! 

Tell me in the comments what your favorite one is out of the seven!