Standing Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800281

Arm Circles Bahu Chakra

Full circles of the arms in both directions. Warms the shoulder joint through its whole range.

Practice Arm Circles (Bahu Chakra) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
Download on the App Store
Arm Circles (Bahu Chakra) — Standing Yoga Posture Illustration

Arm Circles (Bahu Chakra) — Standing posture targeting Shoulders, Deltoids · Natural breath · Forward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Neutral (0) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Bahu Chakra
Posture Family
Standing
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
30 seconds
Breath Pattern
Natural
Drishti (Gaze)
Forward
Target Muscles
Shoulders, Deltoids
Energy Expenditure
2.0 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Arm Circles

Arm Circles (Bahu Chakra) belongs to the Standing posture family and engages the Shoulders, Deltoids at an intensity of approximately 2.0 METs. Full circles of the arms in both directions. Warms the shoulder joint through its whole range.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Natural throughout the 30-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Forward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Shoulders, Deltoids.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 3 years (24 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Neutral (0) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 30 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Shoulder injury

iOS App for iPhone & iPad

Practice with 908 illustrated postures, custom prāṇāyāma timers & dosha meal plans

Combine classical Vata, Pitta, and Kapha balance, Six Tastes (Shad Rasa), and seasonal Ritucharya routines with verified USDA calorie, macronutrient, vitamin, and mineral tracking.

Related Standing Yoga Poses

Mountain Pose (Tadasana)Standing · Level 1

Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

The reference standing shape. Feet rooted, crown lifting, arms at the sides — every other standing asana is measured against the alignment learned here.

Upward Salute (Urdhva Hastasana)Standing · Level 1

Upward Salute (Urdhva Hastasana)

Tadasana with the arms sweeping overhead. Opens the front body and sets the first inhale of a sun salutation.

High Lunge (Ashta Chandrasana)Standing · Level 2

High Lunge (Ashta Chandrasana)

Back heel lifted, front knee stacked over the ankle, torso upright. Strong in the legs and demanding on balance in a way low lunge is not.