Hip Opener Asana · Elementary (Level 2) · Catalog #800395

Baddha Konasana A and B Baddha Konasana (Ashtanga)

Bound angle held upright and then folded forward with the chin reaching the floor.

Practice Baddha Konasana A and B (Baddha Konasana (Ashtanga)) 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.
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Baddha Konasana A and B (Baddha Konasana (Ashtanga)) — Hip Opener Yoga Posture Illustration

Baddha Konasana A and B (Baddha Konasana (Ashtanga)) — Hip Opener posture targeting Inner Thighs, Hip Flexors · Exhale to fold breath · Nasagra drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Baddha Konasana (Ashtanga)
Posture Family
Hip Opener
Difficulty
Elementary (Level 2)
Recommended Hold
60 seconds
Breath Pattern
Exhale to fold
Drishti (Gaze)
Nasagra
Target Muscles
Inner Thighs, Hip Flexors
Energy Expenditure
2.2 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Baddha Konasana A and B

Baddha Konasana A and B (Baddha Konasana (Ashtanga)) belongs to the Hip Opener posture family and engages the Inner Thighs, Hip Flexors at an intensity of approximately 2.2 METs. Bound angle held upright and then folded forward with the chin reaching the floor.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Exhale to fold throughout the 60-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Nasagra to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Inner Thighs, Hip Flexors.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 8 years (96 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: Pacifies (-1) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 60 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Knee injury
  • Groin strain

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