Tree Yoga · The original pose reference
Headstand
See this pose in the original book ↗From the original book
The practice.
Begin in tabletop position, facing away from the tree. The feet should be right next to the trunk. This typically allows for the best setup. Make a strong foundation with the forearms. The arms should form an equilateral triangle. Lightly touch the top of the head to the ground in the middle of the forearms. To find where exactly to position the head, place your palm over the center of the forehead. Wherever your middle finger touches is where the head should touch the ground. It is very important to not place excessive weight on the head. It should barely be touching the ground. Keeping the core engaged, walk the feet up the trunk. Keep one foot on the trunk as you extend the other leg up. Practice for a couple of breaths, and then place the other foot on the trunk with the other leg up. For more of a challenge and to prime the body for headstands without support, practice getting lighter with the foot connected to the tree. Exit in reverse order slowly.
Original book text by Alex Julian. Line wrapping and page breaks have been normalized for reading on the web. Personal accounts and energetic interpretations remain part of the original text.
Make the practice fit you.
This is a reference entry, not a required step in a beginner course. Use a comfortable range, keep breathing naturally, and stop if a movement hurts. Inversions and suspended exercises need appropriate instruction and equipment; a tree is not a certified anchor.
Explore the gentle introductory lesson →Keep exploring