Janu Sirsasana

Sanskrit:

Janu - knee

Sirsa - head

Head to Knee Pose

Benefits:

• Stretches and relieves stiffness in the legs and hips
• Lengthens the spine
  
• Reduces the impact of stress on the body and mind
  
• The twisting action tones the liver, spleen, kidneys and reproductive organs
  
• When performed with the head supported this pose is calming and may relieve anxiety in the mind and body. This effect my help lower blood pressure.
• May be effective for many types of headache when performed with a supported head.
• Women suffering from menstrual cramps or anxiety and irritability associated with PMS may find this pose, especially the supported variation, beneficial
  

Contraindications:

• People suffering diarrhea should avoid full pose
• May aggravate symptoms of nausea