Restorative Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800247

Legs Up Wall with Bolster Viparita Karani (bolster)

Legs up the wall with a bolster raising the pelvis. Deepens the mild inversion while remaining entirely passive.

Practice Legs Up Wall with Bolster (Viparita Karani (bolster)) 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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Legs Up Wall with Bolster (Viparita Karani (bolster)) — Restorative Yoga Posture Illustration

Legs Up Wall with Bolster (Viparita Karani (bolster)) — Restorative posture targeting Hamstrings, Lower Back · Slow and quiet breath · Eyes closed drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Neutral (0)
Sanskrit Name
Viparita Karani (bolster)
Posture Family
Restorative
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
900 seconds
Breath Pattern
Slow and quiet
Drishti (Gaze)
Eyes closed
Target Muscles
Hamstrings, Lower Back
Energy Expenditure
1.2 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Legs Up Wall with Bolster

Legs Up Wall with Bolster (Viparita Karani (bolster)) belongs to the Restorative posture family and engages the Hamstrings, Lower Back at an intensity of approximately 1.2 METs. Legs up the wall with a bolster raising the pelvis. Deepens the mild inversion while remaining entirely passive.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Slow and quiet throughout the 900-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, Lower 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 900 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Neutral (0) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Glaucoma

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