A 30-minute Iyengar Yoga tutorial focused on supported Salamba Sirsasana (Headstand). Using two, three, and four yoga blocks, this practice explores four distinct setups that help students develop confidence, improve alignment, and gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental actions required in Headstand.

In Iyengar Yoga, props are not simply supports—they are teaching tools. By changing the way a pose is presented, we uncover new information about balance, organization, and effort. These supported Headstand variations offer valuable insight for beginners, experienced practitioners, and anyone interested in refining their inversion practice.

Continue your practice inside Po Online where we build on these foundations with structured classes, progressions, and deeper study.

About This Practice

Salamba Sirsasana is often referred to as the king of the asanas and occupies an important place within the Iyengar Yoga method. While many students focus on getting up into Headstand, there is tremendous value in slowing down and exploring the pose through supported variations.

In this class, we investigate four different Headstand configurations using yoga blocks. Each setup highlights different aspects of the pose and provides unique feedback about alignment, balance, and support.

Supported Headstand is valuable not only for students learning the pose, but also for experienced practitioners looking to refine their understanding. By changing the presentation, familiar actions often become clearer and new possibilities for learning emerge.

What You'll Practice

• Salamba Sirsasana (Supported Headstand)

• Headstand using yoga blocks

• Refining alignment in inversions

• Building confidence in Headstand

• Using props as tools for learning and observation

• Preparing for Headstand variations

When to Use This Practice

• When learning Headstand

• To improve alignment in Salamba Sirsasana

• When building confidence in inversions

• As preparation for Headstand variations

Who This Is For

• Students learning Headstand

• Practitioners refining inversion alignment

• Anyone interested in supported yoga poses

• Both beginner and intermediate practitioners

Frequently Asked Questions

Why practice Headstand with yoga blocks?

Yoga blocks provide feedback and support that can help clarify important actions within the pose. They allow students to explore alignment and balance from a different perspective.

Is supported Headstand only for beginners?

No. Supported variations can be extremely valuable for experienced practitioners. Changing the setup often reveals details that may be overlooked in the classical presentation.

How do props improve Headstand alignment?

Props can help organize the body more effectively and bring attention to specific actions. They often make subtle aspects of the pose easier to perceive and understand.

Can supported Headstand help prepare me for variations?

Yes. Developing confidence and clarity in the foundational pose often provides a stronger base for exploring variations such as Eka Pada Sirsasana and Parsva Sirsasana.

Why use multiple Headstand configurations?

Each setup highlights different aspects of the pose. Exploring several presentations provides a broader understanding of Headstand and creates more opportunities for learning.

Is this practice suitable for students new to inversions?

Students who are beginning their Headstand journey may find these supported approaches helpful. As always, work within your capabilities and seek guidance from a qualified teacher when appropriate.

Continue Your Practice

If you enjoyed this class, you can continue your practice across the Studio Po ecosystem:

• Practice in-person at Po Toronto

  Explore full-length classes inside Po Online

  Read reflections and insights on Stephanie’s Blog