Tripod Headstand Pose (Salamba Shirshasana B)

Tripod Headstand places the crown of the head and both palms flat on the mat in an equilateral triangle formation, shifting more demand onto the arms compared to its forearm-based counterpart. This variation encourages greater shoulder and wrist engagement, making it a useful bridge toward handstand while still providing the calming, focus-enhancing benefits of full inversion. From the tripod base the knees can rest on the backs of the upper arms as a preparatory stage before extending the legs fully overhead.

Cues

• Form a perfect equilateral triangle with the crown of the head and each palm before lifting a single foot off the ground.
• Hug the elbows directly over the wrists — do not let them splay outward — to create a stable shelf for the knees or hips.
• Press the mat away with the hands as though you are trying to do a push-up; this takes pressure off the neck.
• Soften the gaze to a fixed point and use steady breathing to maintain equilibrium overhead.