Ayurveda & Asana Yoga icon Ayurveda & Asana Yoga Download on App Store

Backbend Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800564

Cow Pose with Block Bitilasana (block)

Cow Pose taken with a block under the supporting hand or beneath the seat. The prop shortens the distance to the floor so the spine can stay long instead of rounding to reach it.

Practice Cow Pose with Block (Bitilasana (block)) 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
Cow Pose with Block (Bitilasana (block)) — Backbend Yoga Posture Illustration

Cow Pose with Block (Bitilasana (block)) — Backbend posture targeting Lower Back, Chest, Back · Inhale to arch breath · Upward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Bitilasana (block)
Posture Family
Backbend
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
10 seconds
Breath Pattern
Inhale to arch
Drishti (Gaze)
Upward
Target Muscles
Lower Back, Chest, Back
Energy Expenditure
1.8 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Cow Pose with Block

Cow Pose with Block (Bitilasana (block)) belongs to the Backbend posture family and engages the Lower Back, Chest, Back at an intensity of approximately 1.8 METs. Cow Pose taken with a block under the supporting hand or beneath the seat. The prop shortens the distance to the floor so the spine can stay long instead of rounding to reach it.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Inhale to arch throughout the 10-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Upward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Lower Back, Chest, Back.
  • 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: Pacifies (-1) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 10 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • 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.

Download on the App Store Compare with Cal AI, MyFitnessPal & Yoga Apps

Related Backbend Yoga Poses

Wheel Pose at the Wall (Urdhva Dhanurasana (wall))Backbend · Level 2

Wheel Pose at the Wall (Urdhva Dhanurasana (wall))

Wheel Pose practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.

Camel Pose at the Wall (Ustrasana (wall))Backbend · Level 1

Camel Pose at the Wall (Ustrasana (wall))

Camel Pose practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.

Bow Pose at the Wall (Dhanurasana (wall))Backbend · Level 1

Bow Pose at the Wall (Dhanurasana (wall))

Bow Pose practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.

Locust Pose at the Wall (Salabhasana (wall))Backbend · Level 1

Locust Pose at the Wall (Salabhasana (wall))

Locust Pose practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.

Half Locust at the Wall (Ardha Salabhasana (wall))Backbend · Level 1

Half Locust at the Wall (Ardha Salabhasana (wall))

Half Locust practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.

Sphinx Pose at the Wall (Salamba Bhujangasana (wall))Backbend · Level 1

Sphinx Pose at the Wall (Salamba Bhujangasana (wall))

Sphinx Pose practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.