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  Himalayan Institute

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Asana Tip

Headstand  (Shirshasana)

I have a bad neck. Should I avoid headstands?

TRY THIS

Shirshasana can exacerbate neck woes, but it can also strengthen the neck by developing muscle tone. Many people rely on the support of a wall when they begin practicing headstand, but this can cause the neck to bear too much weight and the shoulders to collapse. Instead, start in a downward-dog-like position with the head, arms, and hands in tripod. Press the palm edges into the floor to engage the shoulders. Press the forearms inwards and then outwards, and see how this engages the shoulder and trapezius muscles. Lengthen your neck and draw your shoulder blades toward one another, into the spine and toward the hips, and walk in your feet until either your spine comes to ninety degrees or you can no longer sustain the muscle action of the arms and shoulders. Work here until you feel comfortable and strong and can gradually transfer enough weight to the arms to bend your knees to your chest, lift your feet, and come to balance without the aid of the wall.

About the Publisher

  Yoga + Joyful Living is published by The Himalayan Institute, a non-profit, international organization founded in 1971 by Swami Rama of the Himalayas. Dedicated to serving humanity through educational, spiritual and humanitarian programs, the Himalayan Institute headquarters is located on a verdant 400-acre campus in the rolling hills of the Pocono Mountains of northeast Pennsylvania. The vibrant, healthy atmosphere of this premier center for yoga and holistic living attracts students and seekers from all walks of life.

Learn More Here

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• International Leader Zainab Salbi 
• Tips for Lips and Cuticles 
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• Sasha Cohen Video 
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• Forecast Earth Interview with Robert Swan 
• Prayers of the Heart 
• Ghee Recipe 
• Panchakarma Unveiled 
• Ayurvedic Resources 
• Yoga Sutra 2.9 
• Yoga Therapy for Your Arches 
• Marma Therapy for Bunions 
• Sole Support 
• A Meditation for Someone You Love 
• Asana for the Crown Chakra 
• The Yoga+ Playlist 

Current Issue
November/December 2008

Features

Tibetan Wisdom for Tough Times 
A Buddhist monk explains how you can find true happiness within. Plus: How to reduce violence, economic disparity, and your ecological footprint…starting now.

Save Antarctica, Save the Planet 
Polar adventurer Robert Swan lights a fire under tomorrow’s eco-rangers in the hopes of preserving “the last great continent” on earth.

The Heart of Prayer 
Prayers uttered by spiritual seekers from around the world may differ in ritual and form, but a thread of truth unites them all. Find out how prayer can revive your spiritual life.

Healing Oils: Ayurvedic Secrets for Well-Being
Massaging the skin with oil is as vital to ayurveda as antibiotics are to Western medicine. Take your health into your own hands with these simple oil treatments you can do at home.

 

Departments

Living Joyfully
Cast your eco-vote, decorate your yoga mat, & host a greener gala

Everyday Ayurveda
Your Winter Skin Survival Guide

Nature and the Environment
Eco-Spirituality for an Endangered Planet

Esoteric Asana
Legend of the Spinal Twist

Points of Practice
5 Ways to Advance Your Yoga Practice

Essence of Asana
Perfect Balance

Garden to Table
Veggie Cuisine for the Holidays

My Practice
Yoga on Ice! Olympic Medalist Sasha Cohen

Awakening Spirit
My Search for Silence

Yoga Sutra 2.9
Freedom from Fear

Asana Solutions 
Treat Your Feet! Nine Poses for Bunion Relief

Acting on Principle
Building a Better World…One School at a Time

In Practice
Visualizing the Crown Chakra

Arts & Media
Holiday Special: 14 Yoga Gift Ideas

Last Look
Earth Prayer