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Inversion Asana · Intermediate (Level 3) · Catalog #800894

One-Legged Tripod Headstand Eka Pada Sirsasana II

Tripod Headstand 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 Tripod Headstand (Eka Pada Sirsasana II) 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 Tripod Headstand (Eka Pada Sirsasana II) — Inversion Yoga Posture Illustration

One-Legged Tripod Headstand (Eka Pada Sirsasana II) — Inversion posture targeting Shoulders, Triceps, Abs, Traps, Glutes · Even ujjayi breath · Nasagra drishti.

Vāta: Neutral (0) Pitta: Mildly Increases (+1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Eka Pada Sirsasana II
Posture Family
Inversion
Difficulty
Intermediate (Level 3)
Recommended Hold
30 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Nasagra
Target Muscles
Shoulders, Triceps, Abs, Traps, Glutes
Energy Expenditure
4.7 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for One-Legged Tripod Headstand

One-Legged Tripod Headstand (Eka Pada Sirsasana II) belongs to the Inversion posture family and engages the Shoulders, Triceps, Abs, Traps, Glutes at an intensity of approximately 4.7 METs. Tripod Headstand 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 30-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Nasagra to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Shoulders, Triceps, Abs, Traps, Glutes.
  • 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 30 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Neck injury
  • Wrist injury
  • High blood pressure
  • Balance disorders

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