Originally published August 17 2008
Why Standing on Your Head May Improve Your Health
by Sheryl Walters
(NaturalNews) It is very rare that we are able to see the world upside down, and regularly viewing the world from this angle can bring a variety of amazing benefits to our life. Turning ourselves upside down is not only an amazing practice for health... but for beauty as well.
Headstand and Yoga for Skin Care
A headstand can reduce facial wrinkles, and if practiced regularly, is a natural 'face-lift'. This is because it reverses the effects of gravity and allows the skin to rest in the other direction.
Furthermore, yoga for skin care increases the circulation to the face, which brings much needed nutrients and oxygen to rejuvenate and remove wrinkle causing toxins. The result is smoother, clearer, brighter and glowing skin.
Thicker Hair, Fewer Grays
A headstand can actually convert gray hair back to its natural color! It will certainly delay the onset of gray hair. This is due to the increase in blood supply and nutrients to the hair follicles in the scalp.
Balding can also be prevented or slowed, and thicker, healthier hair is produced.
Balanced Hormones and Endocrine System
Headstand stimulates and provides refreshed blood to the pituitary and hypothalamus glands. The health and strength of these glands are absolutely vital to our wellbeing, as they are the master glands and regulate the functioning of all the other glands in the body including the sexual hormones (better sex!), the thyroid, pineal, and the adrenals.
The powerful stress releasing effects of the headstand (you can't really be depressed if you're standing on your head!) further rebalance the adrenal glands so physical and emotional health is improved.
Better Circulation
Besides the positive effects of yoga for skin care, the improved circulation of headstands exercise the heart and encourage venous return. Because the heart constantly has to pump blood upward to the brain, the headstand gives the heart a rest and reduces heart strain.
Increased Brain Function
Headstand soaks the brain cells with fresh blood, oxygen and nutrients. This increases your thinking power, clarity, memory, concentration, and the sensory faculties. Brain tissues do not degenerate with regular practice.
Balanced Nervous System
Research has shown that an ischemic stroke never results for those who consistently do headstands! (If nothing else, that will get me on my head.)
It can also prevent the occurrence of atherosclerotic disease, Parkinson's disease, and other diseases of the nervous system. Senile changes in the brain are prevented. It calms the brain and helps relieve stress and depression. It is a centering, calming and soothing pose.
A Healthy Lymphatic System
A headstand encourages the drainage of lymphatic fluid so the whole body is regularly detoxified.
Strong Immune System
Recently, I blogged about how much healthier I have been since regularly practicing yoga. Headstands are one of the postures proven to strengthen your immune system.
Respiratory System
Doing headstands in yoga helps with deep breathing and creates healthier lung tissue.
Digestive System
Standing on our heads tones and cleans the digestive organs. It cleanses congested blood and toxins from them. Fresh warm blood invigorates the cells and can help people overcome problems of the liver, kidneys, stomach, intestines and reproductive system.
Musculoskeletal system
Doing a headstand strengthens the spine, neck, shoulders and arms. The muscular system of the abdomen and legs get toned.
About the author
Sheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practitioner.
Her website www.younglivingguide.com provides the latest research on preventing disease, looking naturally gorgeous, and feeling emotionally and physically fabulous. You can also find some of the most powerful super foods on the planet including raw chocolate, purple corn, and many others.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml