The Yoga and Movement Research Series
We explore a 2014 study on headstand safety, the first of its kind to assess loads on the neck and head during this iconic yoga pose. The study raised important questions about the risks involved in headstand practice and how those risks might influence teaching decisions. Interestingly, Ariana and I had different reactions to the findings. For Ariana, it confirmed my decision to exclude headstands from both my personal practice and group classes. I, on the other hand, maintained my stance on not including them in group classes but resumed practicing headstands personally.
The study includes data suggesting significant forces on the neck and head, with potential risks of cervical spine compression, extension injuries, and even fractures. At first glance, these findings can seem alarming. However, I provide critical context about how the referenced data was gathered. I point out that the study’s methods and limitations mean the data isn’t as conclusive or universally applicable as it might appear. As I often say, “One study does not a conclusion make.” This nuanced perspective reminds us that research findings should inform, but not dictate, our decisions.
This pioneering study opens the door to deeper exploration of headstand safety. It invites teachers and practitioners to examine their approaches while recognizing that no definitive conclusions about the “right” or “wrong” ways to practice headstand can be drawn from this single study.
As yoga teachers, our responsibility is to stay informed and adapt based on the latest research while considering the needs of individual students. Headstand safety remains a complex topic that deserves ongoing discussion, not just in terms of biomechanics but also in the context of personal choice and teaching philosophy. This study serves as a starting point, not an endpoint, in that dialogue.
Listen to the new format of Yoga Research and Beyond with Jules and Ariana here.
Jules Mitchell is a Yoga Educator, Biomechanist and contributor to Yoga Research and Beyond (www.yogaresearchandbeyond.com)