Arm Balance Asana · Intermediate (Level 3) · Catalog #800429

Chakorasana Chakorasana

An arm balance with one leg behind the head and the other extended straight up.

Practice Chakorasana (Chakorasana) 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
Chakorasana (Chakorasana) — Arm Balance Yoga Posture Illustration

Chakorasana (Chakorasana) — Arm Balance posture targeting Abs, Triceps, Hamstrings · Even ujjayi breath · Forward drishti.

Vāta: Neutral (0) Pitta: Mildly Increases (+1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Chakorasana
Posture Family
Arm Balance
Difficulty
Intermediate (Level 3)
Recommended Hold
12 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Forward
Target Muscles
Abs, Triceps, Hamstrings
Energy Expenditure
4.8 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Chakorasana

Chakorasana (Chakorasana) belongs to the Arm Balance posture family and engages the Abs, Triceps, Hamstrings at an intensity of approximately 4.8 METs. An arm balance with one leg behind the head and the other extended straight up.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 12-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 Abs, Triceps, Hamstrings.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 20 years (240 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: Neutral (0) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Mildly Increases (+1) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 12 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Wrist injury
  • Hamstring strain
  • Neck 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 Arm Balance Yoga Poses

Sage Vasistha's Pose (Vasisthasana)Arm Balance · Level 2

Sage Vasistha's Pose (Vasisthasana)

A side plank on one hand with the body in a single line. Builds lateral core strength that plank alone does not reach.

Staff Pose Lift (Utpluthih)Arm Balance · Level 3

Staff Pose Lift (Utpluthih)

Lifting the whole crossed-legged body clear of the floor on the hands. The closing lift of the Ashtanga series and a pure test of core and shoulder strength.

Crow Pose (Bakasana)Arm Balance · Level 2

Crow Pose (Bakasana)

Knees resting on the upper arms with the feet lifting. The first arm balance most practitioners achieve, and more about weight shift than strength.

Crane Pose (Bakasana (straight arm))Arm Balance · Level 3

Crane Pose (Bakasana (straight arm))

Crow with the arms straight and the knees high in the armpits. Considerably harder than bent-arm crow and often confused with it.

Side Crow (Parsva Bakasana)Arm Balance · Level 3

Side Crow (Parsva Bakasana)

A twisted arm balance with both knees resting on one upper arm. Rotation and balance combined, and a common gateway to the harder balances.