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Backbend Asana · Elementary (Level 2) · Catalog #800562

Little Thunderbolt with Block Laghu Vajrasana (block)

Little Thunderbolt 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 Little Thunderbolt with Block (Laghu Vajrasana (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.
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Little Thunderbolt with Block (Laghu Vajrasana (block)) — Backbend Yoga Posture Illustration

Little Thunderbolt with Block (Laghu Vajrasana (block)) — Backbend posture targeting Quads, Back, Hip Flexors · Even ujjayi breath · Backward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Mildly Increases (+1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Laghu Vajrasana (block)
Posture Family
Backbend
Difficulty
Elementary (Level 2)
Recommended Hold
15 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Backward
Target Muscles
Quads, Back, Hip Flexors
Energy Expenditure
3.8 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Little Thunderbolt with Block

Little Thunderbolt with Block (Laghu Vajrasana (block)) belongs to the Backbend posture family and engages the Quads, Back, Hip Flexors at an intensity of approximately 3.8 METs. Little Thunderbolt 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 Even ujjayi throughout the 15-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Backward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Quads, Back, Hip Flexors.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 14 years (168 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: 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

  • Knee injury
  • Low back injury
  • Neck injury

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