Arm Balance Asana · Intermediate (Level 3) · Catalog #800138

Crow to Headstand Transition Bakasana-Sirsasana

Lowering from crow into tripod headstand and back. A controlled strength transition, not a drop.

Practice Crow to Headstand Transition (Bakasana-Sirsasana) 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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Crow to Headstand Transition (Bakasana-Sirsasana) — Arm Balance Yoga Posture Illustration

Crow to Headstand Transition (Bakasana-Sirsasana) — Arm Balance posture targeting Shoulders, Abs, Triceps, Traps · Even ujjayi breath · Floor drishti.

Vāta: Neutral (0) Pitta: Mildly Increases (+1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Bakasana-Sirsasana
Posture Family
Arm Balance
Difficulty
Intermediate (Level 3)
Recommended Hold
10 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Floor
Target Muscles
Shoulders, Abs, Triceps, Traps
Energy Expenditure
5.0 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Crow to Headstand Transition

Crow to Headstand Transition (Bakasana-Sirsasana) belongs to the Arm Balance posture family and engages the Shoulders, Abs, Triceps, Traps at an intensity of approximately 5.0 METs. Lowering from crow into tripod headstand and back. A controlled strength transition, not a drop.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 10-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Floor to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Shoulders, Abs, Triceps, Traps.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 16 years (192 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 10 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Neck injury
  • Wrist injury
  • Shoulder injury

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