Forward Bend Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800467

Half Butterfly Yin Janu Sirsasana

A yin fold over one straight leg held several minutes with a rounded spine.

Practice Half Butterfly (Yin Janu 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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Half Butterfly (Yin Janu Sirsasana) — Forward Bend Yoga Posture Illustration

Half Butterfly (Yin Janu Sirsasana) — Forward Bend posture targeting Hamstrings, Inner Thighs · Slow and quiet breath · Eyes closed drishti.

Vāta: Neutral (0) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Yin Janu Sirsasana
Posture Family
Forward Bend
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
240 seconds
Breath Pattern
Slow and quiet
Drishti (Gaze)
Eyes closed
Target Muscles
Hamstrings, Inner Thighs
Energy Expenditure
1.7 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Half Butterfly

Half Butterfly (Yin Janu Sirsasana) belongs to the Forward Bend posture family and engages the Hamstrings, Inner Thighs at an intensity of approximately 1.7 METs. A yin fold over one straight leg held several minutes with a rounded spine.

  • 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 Hamstrings, Inner Thighs.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 5 years (60 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: 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

  • Disc injury

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