Source: Mind Management Techniques document
Tags: sirshasana, headstand, siddhasana, siddha yoni asana, meditative posture, king of asanas, yoga postures, brain health, celibacy, pituitary gland, inversions
Three asanas form the physical foundation of this mind management course. Sirshasana (headstand) is called the "King of Asanas" for its wide-ranging benefits to the brain, nervous system, glands and lower body. Siddhasana (males) and Siddha Yoni Asana (females) are the recommended seated postures for meditation, chosen because they allow the body to remain still and comfortable for extended periods with an upright spine.
Sirshasana
The headstand posture. An inversion that directs oxygenated blood to the brain and is considered the most beneficial single asana for whole-body health.
Siddhasana
A cross-legged seated posture for males, regarded as the best meditative asana. The left heel presses against the perineum (Mooladhara Region).
Siddha Yoni Asana
The female equivalent of Siddhasana. The left heel presses against the front of the vagina (labia majora), applying pressure to the Mooladhara Region in females.
Meditative Asana
Any seated posture that allows the practitioner to sit for extended periods without movement or discomfort, with the spine and head held upright.
Pituitary Gland
The master gland of the endocrine system, located in the brain. Sirshasana revitalises it through increased blood flow, whichhelps regulate the entire hormonal system.
Sirshasana is performed by inverting the body so the head bears the weight, supported by interlocked hands. Its nickname comes from the breadth of its physiological benefits.
Directs enriched, oxygenated blood to brain cells, opening closed or blocked blood vessels and flushing out accumulated toxins
Revitalises all brain cells, leading to better concentration, sharper memory and more vivid thought processes
Opens dormant nervous pathways in the brain to carry greater flows of nervous impulse, expanding brain capacity
Helps alleviate headaches and migraines with regular practice (though it must not be performed during an active headache or migraine)
Increased blood flow to the brain revitalises all nervous centres and the pituitary gland, helping to rectify glandular and nervous disorders
Has a significant influence in relieving diabetes, asthma, hay fever and menopausal imbalance
Improves thyroid gland health, which in turn enhances metabolic function, alertness and wakefulness
Improves eyesight, hearing, and senses of smell and taste
Ailments such as myopia, astigmatism, catarrh and poor hearing improve with regular practice
Facial skin condition improves as oxygen-rich blood removes waste and provides better nourishment, reducing pimples and wrinkles
Hair greying and baldness are reduced through enriched blood supply to the scalp
Drains stagnant blood from the legs, pelvis and abdomen, which is then replaced by fresh oxygenated blood after the practice
Greatly alleviates varicose veins and piles
Revitalises pelvic and abdominal organs, improving digestion and elimination
Strengthens lung function, as the body receives more oxygen and expels more carbon dioxide during the inversion
Use a folded blanket under the head and, if needed, a wall for support when learning
Breathe through the nose, slowly and deeply throughout. Awareness can rest on the breath or on the mid-point between the eyebrows. Eyes closed.
Hold for a minimum of 3 minutes (it takes about 1 minute for blood circulation to reverse). The normal recommended maximum is 10 to 15 minutes per session.
For longer total practice, do multiple sessions (e.g. morning and evening, 5 to 10 minutes each)
Lower the legs very slowly when finishing
Practise any time at least 3 hours after a meal, and at least 30 minutes after vigorous exercise
High blood pressure
Weak or malfunctioning heart
Cerebral or coronary thrombosis
Arteriosclerosis
Weak eye blood vessels, conjunctivitis or chronic glaucoma
Any form of haemorrhage in the head
Chronic catarrh (early-stage catarrh may benefit, but chronic stages can worsen)
Otia (ear inflammation)
Slipped disc
Extremely impure blood (signs include excessive spots, pimples, chronic constipation)
Kidney problems
A meditative asana must allow the practitioner to sit for long periods without moving and without discomfort. The spine and head must be upright for two reasons: to allow unhindered breathing (chest, diaphragm and abdomen can move freely) and to prevent backache during prolonged sitting.
Sit with both legs outstretched
Bend the left knee; place the sole of the left foot against the right thigh so the heel presses firmly against the perineum (Mooladhara Region)
Bend the right knee and place the right heel against the pubic bone. If this is difficult, rest the right heel on the left ankle with the rest of the right foot on the ground
Rest the palms on the knees with spine and head erect
A cushion under the buttocks reduces pressure between the lower ankle and floor
A folded cloth or piece of sponge between the ankles where they cross can ease discomfort
The roles of left and right legs may be switched
Limitation: Should not be practised by people with sciatica or sacral ailments.
Key benefit: One of the most effective means towards celibacy in thoughts, words and deeds.
The female equivalent of Siddhasana. General advice, benefits and limitations are the same.
Sit with both legs outstretched
Bend the left knee; place the sole of the left foot against the right thigh so the heel presses firmly against the front of the vagina (labia majora), applying pressure to the Mooladhara Region
Bend the right knee and place the right heel against the pubic bone (or rest it on the left ankle if difficult)
Rest the palms on the knees with spine and head erect. Close the eyes.
⚠️ Sirshasana is called the "King of Asanas" because of its broad physiological benefits across virtually every body system.
⚠️ The minimum hold time for Sirshasana is 3 minutes (1 minute is needed just to reverse blood circulation).
⚠️ The contraindications list for Sirshasana is extensive. Know the major ones: high blood pressure, heart problems, glaucoma, haemorrhage, kidney problems.
⚠️ An upright spine in meditative postures serves two purposes: unhindered breathing and prevention of backache.
⚠️ Siddhasana and Siddha Yoni Asana both apply pressure to the Mooladhara Region, but at different anatomical points for males and females.
Q: Why is Sirshasana called the King of Asanas?
A: Because of its immense benefits to almost all organs of the body, including the brain, nervous system, glands, senses, lower body organs, lungs and pelvic region.
Q: What is the minimum recommended duration for Sirshasana, and why?
A: At least 3 minutes, because it takes approximately 1 minute for blood circulation to reverse towards the upper body. Benefits begin after that reversal.
Q: Name three conditions in which Sirshasana should not be practised.
A: High blood pressure, weak or malfunctioning heart, and chronic glaucoma (other valid answers include cerebral thrombosis, slipped disc, kidney problems, etc.).
Q: Why must the spine and head be held upright in a meditative asana?
A: To allow free, unhindered breathing (so the chest, diaphragm and abdomen can move without interference) and to prevent backache during long sitting periods.
Q: Where is the Mooladhara Region located in males and in females?
A: In males, it is midway between the anus and the sexual organ, slightly above the skin surface (the perineum). In females, it is at the cervix.
Q: What is the primary subtle benefit of Siddhasana and Siddha Yoni Asana?
A: They are among the most effective means of developing celibacy in thoughts, words and deeds, through the pressure applied to the Mooladhara Region.
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