Are Headstand and Shoulder Stand the King and Queen of Yoga Poses?

May 3

Written By Jenni Rawlings

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Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the widely varying viewpoints on headstand and shoulder stand in the yoga world. On the one hand, these two inversions are often proclaimed to be the “king and queen of yoga poses” and are therefore treated as almost essential yoga poses. On the other hand, there’s a growing belief in the yoga world that these two poses are inherently injurious and should not be taught in yoga classes.

Jenni and Travis examine both of these extreme points of view (and everywhere in between!) using the helpful tool of movement science.

Points of discussion include:

What are the 3 most common yoga poses associated with injury, according to scientific research?
How prevalent are yoga injuries in general, according to scientific research?
How safe or unsafe is headstand?
How delicate is the human neck with regard to being loaded?
Can we and should we strengthen our neck in a direct, targeted way?
Does practicing headstand increase blood flow to the brain?
How safe or unsafe is shoulder stand?
Is practicing shoulder stand on blankets safer than practicing shoulder stand flat on the floor?
Does practicing shoulder stand reverse one’s cervical curve?
Does shoulder stand stimulate the thyroid gland?
Do headstand and shoulder stand confer any specific benefits for those who practice them?
Are there contraindications we should be aware of for practicing either of these poses?
…And much more!