Twist Asana · Elementary (Level 2) · Catalog #800463

Cat Pulling Its Tail Yin Twist

A long yin twist catching the top foot behind while the legs scissor. Combines rotation with a quadriceps stretch.

Practice Cat Pulling Its Tail (Yin Twist) 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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Cat Pulling Its Tail (Yin Twist) — Twist Yoga Posture Illustration

Cat Pulling Its Tail (Yin Twist) — Twist posture targeting Obliques, Quads, Lower Back · Slow and quiet breath · Eyes closed drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Yin Twist
Posture Family
Twist
Difficulty
Elementary (Level 2)
Recommended Hold
240 seconds
Breath Pattern
Slow and quiet
Drishti (Gaze)
Eyes closed
Target Muscles
Obliques, Quads, Lower Back
Energy Expenditure
1.8 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Cat Pulling Its Tail

Cat Pulling Its Tail (Yin Twist) belongs to the Twist posture family and engages the Obliques, Quads, Lower Back at an intensity of approximately 1.8 METs. A long yin twist catching the top foot behind while the legs scissor. Combines rotation with a quadriceps stretch.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Slow and quiet throughout the 240-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Eyes closed to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Obliques, Quads, Lower Back.
  • 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 240 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Knee injury
  • Disc injury

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