Arm Balance Asana · Intermediate (Level 3) · Catalog #800135

Rooster Pose Kukkutasana

Arms threaded through a lotus and the body lifted. Demands full lotus before the balance can even be attempted.

Practice Rooster Pose (Kukkutasana) 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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Rooster Pose (Kukkutasana) — Arm Balance Yoga Posture Illustration

Rooster Pose (Kukkutasana) — Arm Balance posture targeting Abs, Triceps, Shoulders, Hip Flexors · Even ujjayi breath · Nasagra drishti.

Vāta: Neutral (0) Pitta: Mildly Increases (+1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Kukkutasana
Posture Family
Arm Balance
Difficulty
Intermediate (Level 3)
Recommended Hold
12 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Nasagra
Target Muscles
Abs, Triceps, Shoulders, Hip Flexors
Energy Expenditure
4.6 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Rooster Pose

Rooster Pose (Kukkutasana) belongs to the Arm Balance posture family and engages the Abs, Triceps, Shoulders, Hip Flexors at an intensity of approximately 4.6 METs. Arms threaded through a lotus and the body lifted. Demands full lotus before the balance can even be attempted.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 12-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 Abs, Triceps, Shoulders, Hip Flexors.
  • 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 12 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Wrist injury
  • Knee injury

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