The Head Below the Heart & Inversions in Yoga

Yoga poses where the head is below the heart, also called inversions, can have numerous health benefits, as they make blood flow to the head and brain passively. Inversions can also have spiritual and emotional effects, as they offer a different perspective and are symbolic of letting the heart take the lead for a moment.

  1. Effects of Inversions

    • In your natural position the muscles of the neck and various arteries constantly work to keep blood circulating to the brain and the sensory organs functioning. Flipping the head below the heart allows gravity to create a passive blood flow to the head that lets these muscles rest. Inversions also allow the lymphatic system, which doesn't rely on the heart as a pump for circulation, to return healthy fluids to the heart.

    Simple Inversion Poses

    • Some of the easier inversion poses include Plow pose, or Halasana, which reduces backache and can improve the quality of sleep. Another simple posture is Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, which increases pressure in the head and lifts the heart slightly higher than the head. Even Downward-Facing Dog, or Adho Mukha Svanasana, can be considered a mild inversion, as the heart is above the head but the legs are not lifted into the air.

    Advanced Inversion Poses

    • Advanced yoga inversions usually require a keen sense of balance, as the legs and trunk are raised to a vertical or near vertical position above the head. Shoulderstand, or Sarvangasana, puts medium pressure on the head while Headstand, or Sirsasana, places most pressure on the head. When performed with proper alignment, these inversions can calm the brain and strengthen the body. Other advanced inversions include Handstand, or Adho Mukha Vrksasana, and Feathered Peacock, or Pincha Mayurasana, which require strong arms for balancing.

    Cautions

    • Although inversions bring many benefits to your internal physical systems, certain conditions can make the aforementioned poses dangerous. Although inversions can temporarily reduce blood pressure, they should be introduced gradually, starting off with milder poses and working your way up to more advanced ones. People with very high blood pressure should be extremely cautious when practicing inversions, as they can add to the elevated blood pressure, which can create so much pressure that delicate blood vessels in the brain are damaged.