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Open Hand Headstand C

Mukta Hasta Sirsasana C

MOOK-tah hahs-TAH sheer-SHAH-sah-nah C

Commonly known as the Iron Cross Headstand, this variation involves extending the arms straight out to the sides with palms flat on the floor. It creates a very wide but shallow base of support, demanding extreme shoulder stabilization and core control to maintain vertical alignment.

Chakras
PrimaryManipura (Solar Plexus)
SecondaryAjna (Third Eye)Muladhara (Root)
Gaze:Nose Tip
Quick Summary
  • From Tripod Headstand, reach the arms straight out to the sides in a 'T' shape.

  • Place palms flat on the floor, ideally slightly forward of the shoulder line.

  • Lift into headstand, rooting through the palms and the crown of the head.

Foundation
  • The foundation is the crown of the head and the palms flat on the floor out to the sides.

  • Press firmly into the palms and fingertips to stabilize the 'Iron Cross' shape.

Alignment
  • Maintain a perfectly vertical line from the crown to the heels.

  • Keep the shoulders drawing away from the ears, using the serratus anterior to stabilize.

  • Engage the core deeply to anchor the pelvis over the shoulders.

Breathe deeply and smoothly, using the breath to sustain the expanded balance point.
inversion