Arm Balance Asana · Intermediate (Level 3) · Catalog #800131

Firefly Pose Tittibhasana

Seated on the hands with both legs extending forward and up. Requires open hamstrings as much as arm strength.

Practice Firefly Pose (Tittibhasana) 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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Firefly Pose (Tittibhasana) — Arm Balance Yoga Posture Illustration

Firefly Pose (Tittibhasana) — Arm Balance posture targeting Abs, Hamstrings, Triceps, Shoulders · Even ujjayi breath · Forward drishti.

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

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Firefly Pose

Firefly Pose (Tittibhasana) belongs to the Arm Balance posture family and engages the Abs, Hamstrings, Triceps, Shoulders at an intensity of approximately 4.8 METs. Seated on the hands with both legs extending forward and up. Requires open hamstrings as much as arm strength.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 15-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, Hamstrings, Triceps, Shoulders.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 15 years (180 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 15 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Wrist injury
  • Hamstring strain

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