Time for Tripod Headstand 

Add some playtime to your practice! Learn how to master the transition from tripod headstand (sirsasana B) into arm balances. This is a must if you are preparing for the Ashtanga third series. Please don’t try this if you don’t feel comfortable and stable with your tripod headstand. Practice arm balances and headstand first separately and only after mastering each, start putting them together. If you are new to headstand, please have a look for Doron’s headstand tutorial. For more practice in inversions, have a look in core workout in headstand.

Watch the video below for Doron’s tips for more advanced variations. Keep in mind throughout the whole practice that hips are the heaviest part of your body. Being aware of the movements of your hips is a good tip for mastering the transitions. Remember to maintain your ujjayi breathing and engage your  bandhas.

• • Keep your palms pushing firmly towards the ground
  • Keep the elbows pulling close to each others in 90 degrees angle
  • Push the crown of the head towards the mat
  • As in any headstand to lift your legs up by adjusting your hips in the same line with your head, neck and spine
  • Keep your core activated
  • Scoop from your shoulders to get the support instead of letting the weight collapse to your neck

Lowering into arm balances

• Side-crow: Keep activating your bandhas and belly, and bend your knees. Turn the knees away to your side. Keep your hips high up so that you can lay the knees on your upper arms. Only then lower your hips down and lift the head up, opening the chest. You’ll maintain your balance only when your head and chest are reaching forward
• Try to straighten your legs to the side for dwi pada koundinyasana
• Cross the leg on the top back into eka pada koundinyasana A. Keep reaching your head and chest forward
• Come back to side crow, lowering the head down again. Activate your core strongly to get first the hips up and then lifting the legs up
• Lower your legs down slowly and with control
• Repeat on the other side

Share the Stand

If you nailed your tripod headstand because of this video, leave us a comment below! Share the benefits with your friends, you get good karma and they get more balance!

For more tips and tricks, check out Doron’s  YouTube Channel!

If you’d like to learn more about the yoga lifestyle, come visit us at the Doron Yoga & Zen Center in Guatemala. We offer retreats and workshops, as well as Yoga Alliance-certified yoga teacher trainings.

To gain more knowledge on specific poses, why not read the Doron Yoga Manual?