Twist Asana · Elementary (Level 2) · Catalog #800050

Revolved Head-to-Knee Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana

A seated side bend and twist over one straight leg with the top arm reaching overhead. Opens the side body more than the hamstrings.

Practice Revolved Head-to-Knee (Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana) 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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Revolved Head-to-Knee (Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana) — Twist Yoga Posture Illustration

Revolved Head-to-Knee (Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana) — Twist posture targeting Obliques, Hamstrings, Lats · Even ujjayi breath · Upward drishti.

Vāta: Neutral (0) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana
Posture Family
Twist
Difficulty
Elementary (Level 2)
Recommended Hold
45 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Upward
Target Muscles
Obliques, Hamstrings, Lats
Energy Expenditure
2.5 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Revolved Head-to-Knee

Revolved Head-to-Knee (Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana) belongs to the Twist posture family and engages the Obliques, Hamstrings, Lats at an intensity of approximately 2.5 METs. A seated side bend and twist over one straight leg with the top arm reaching overhead. Opens the side body more than the hamstrings.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 45-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Upward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Obliques, Hamstrings, Lats.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 8 years (96 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: Pacifies (-1) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 45 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Disc injury
  • Shoulder injury

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Bound Deer Pose (Baddha Yin Mrigasana)

Deer Pose with the arms binding. The bind deepens the rotation or the opening considerably and demands shoulder range before the pose itself can be entered at all.