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Backbend Asana · Elementary (Level 2) · Catalog #800872

One-Legged Half Locust Eka Pada Ardha Salabhasana

Half Locust with one leg lifted. Halving the base doubles the demand on the supporting side and exposes any left-to-right imbalance immediately.

Practice One-Legged Half Locust (Eka Pada Ardha Salabhasana) 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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One-Legged Half Locust (Eka Pada Ardha Salabhasana) — Backbend Yoga Posture Illustration

One-Legged Half Locust (Eka Pada Ardha Salabhasana) — Backbend posture targeting Lower Back, Glutes, Hamstrings, Abs · Even ujjayi breath · Forward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Neutral (0) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Eka Pada Ardha Salabhasana
Posture Family
Backbend
Difficulty
Elementary (Level 2)
Recommended Hold
20 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Forward
Target Muscles
Lower Back, Glutes, Hamstrings, Abs
Energy Expenditure
3.1 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for One-Legged Half Locust

One-Legged Half Locust (Eka Pada Ardha Salabhasana) belongs to the Backbend posture family and engages the Lower Back, Glutes, Hamstrings, Abs at an intensity of approximately 3.1 METs. Half Locust with one leg lifted. Halving the base doubles the demand on the supporting side and exposes any left-to-right imbalance immediately.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 20-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 Lower Back, Glutes, Hamstrings, Abs.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 4 years (48 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: Neutral (0) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 20 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Low back injury
  • Balance disorders

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