Hello , I am a newbie to yoga
I am one week into it -
Learning at home from a book
I have a little yoga stool which I sent for a few weeks ago , it has a rectangular hole in the center and you get on the stool and lift your self up with your legs against the wall
At my age (Male ) 75 years old , with my blood pressure is controlled with drugs and its in the safe zone under 120 S under 80 D
Is it safe to stand on my head , doing that yoga excercise for about 60 to 120 seconds -
A friend told me , I could get a stroke if I did this
What is the truth , Is it possilble I could I get a stroke trying this or not ?
If I can’t do it , I just will have to either try to get a refund on the yoga headstand stool or give it away
zalman00------ Thanks All
Likely a landsman with a name like Zalman.
I don’t think we get many octogenarians here. Welcome.
Generally speaking, the inversion you are discussing (headstand aka Sirsasana) should be learned from a teacher not a book. That inversion, especially with a blood pressure issue, should only be introduced after the student has a foundation in other rudimentary inversions - like downward facing dog (adho mukha svanasana).
When a student has BP that is pharmaceutically controlled they are treated, in the yoga context, as though they DO have HBP not as though they do not, even though the numerical data is balanced. For this reason AND because yoga mandates that both students and teachers err on the side of caution, I would not do headstand either with or without the stool you mention.
You may possibly do the inversion in the bench but it’s simply not an appropriate balance between safety and effect. The risks outweigh the benefit at this point in time. Consider a well trained teacher if the opportunity presents itself.
Zaiman buddy,
You’re an inspiration. To have the strength and desire to do this at 75 is a remarkable feat, expressing the true heart of a yogi. However, IA is right here. Absolutely no inversions for you my friend.
There is still a great deal of benefit for you to be gained from yoga. Consider finding a teacher who can adapt a practice for you. For now, put down the book. Go to class. You will see.
Siva
What is your goal?
I agree, no headstance. No extreme inversions. I doubt that pose is a good idea for anyone really. The brain isn’t used nor built for receiving so much blood pressure at once. Just take it easy Zalman. No need to perform that stance. It doesn’t define yoga, happiness or anything truly important.
Love,
Bentinho
Really? I love it, and have been taught it is the ‘king of asanas’.
However, I agree with all the above and not recommended for people with blood pressure issues. And after only a week of yoga there are so many other steps to take first.
Good luck and enjoy!
Hello Jen,
Seems you already know this however we do have other readers (lurkers) who might be confused by the thread.
Sirsasana is one of the three most revered poses in asana - along with Sarvangasana and Savasana. The placement of the anterior fontanelle on the ground quiets the mind and works the sutures of the cranial bones such that the sense of hearing, taste, sight, and small are heightened.
Additionally the pose relieves tension on the powerful inverterbral muscles and helps with circulation and counters vericose veins.
Of course students must be prepared for the pose and have the appropriate actions developed before going up. Additionally their foundation must support the majority of their body weight - as for beginners and many intermediates the head should not.