Restorative Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800291

Puppy at Chair Anahatasana (chair)

Forearms on a chair seat with the chest melting down. A shoulder opener that needs no floor work.

Practice Puppy at Chair (Anahatasana (chair)) 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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Puppy at Chair (Anahatasana (chair)) — Restorative Yoga Posture Illustration

Puppy at Chair (Anahatasana (chair)) — Restorative posture targeting Shoulders, Lats, Chest · Slow and quiet breath · Floor drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Neutral (0)
Sanskrit Name
Anahatasana (chair)
Posture Family
Restorative
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
240 seconds
Breath Pattern
Slow and quiet
Drishti (Gaze)
Floor
Target Muscles
Shoulders, Lats, Chest
Energy Expenditure
1.5 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Puppy at Chair

Puppy at Chair (Anahatasana (chair)) belongs to the Restorative posture family and engages the Shoulders, Lats, Chest at an intensity of approximately 1.5 METs. Forearms on a chair seat with the chest melting down. A shoulder opener that needs no floor work.

  • 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 Floor to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Shoulders, Lats, Chest.
  • 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 240 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Neutral (0) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Shoulder injury

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