Sirsasana (Headstand) and Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) are an important part of my yoga practice. Geeta Iyengar says that it is “unpardonable” for a practitioner to not do these inversions.
That being said, there are reasons why someone would not do these poses. Inversions in general are not done while you are menstruating, they are contraindicated for glaucoma, detached retina, untreated hypertension, migraines, dizziness, nausea, cervical problems and other issues. Or maybe you just feel fatigued and don’t want to stand on your head. Sirsasana take a lot of energy!
Legs up the wall is not a good alternative for Sirsasana. It is, however, a good alternative for Sarvangasana. (That’s another blog post.) Why? Briefly, it is because Sirsasana is a fiery, energetic pose and Legs up the Wall pose is not.
Here are some alternatives for those who do not want to stand on their head:
Head Supported Uttanasana
Use the appropriate height for you.
Head Supported Prasarita Padottanasana
Use the appropriate height
Head Supported Adho Mukha Svanasana. Use as much or as little height as you need.
Head Supported Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana in a chair
Cross Bolsters
Cross Bolsters
Baddha Konasana in Sirsasana in the ropes (If you have a rope wall)