Ayurveda & Asana Yoga icon Ayurveda & Asana Yoga Download on App Store

Backbend Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800559

Sphinx Pose with Block Salamba Bhujangasana (block)

Sphinx Pose taken with a block under the supporting hand or beneath the seat. The prop shortens the distance to the floor so the spine can stay long instead of rounding to reach it.

Practice Sphinx Pose with Block (Salamba Bhujangasana (block)) 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.
Download on the App Store
Sphinx Pose with Block (Salamba Bhujangasana (block)) — Backbend Yoga Posture Illustration

Sphinx Pose with Block (Salamba Bhujangasana (block)) — Backbend posture targeting Lower Back, Back, Chest · Slow and even breath · Forward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Neutral (0) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Salamba Bhujangasana (block)
Posture Family
Backbend
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
90 seconds
Breath Pattern
Slow and even
Drishti (Gaze)
Forward
Target Muscles
Lower Back, Back, Chest
Energy Expenditure
2.0 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Sphinx Pose with Block

Sphinx Pose with Block (Salamba Bhujangasana (block)) belongs to the Backbend posture family and engages the Lower Back, Back, Chest at an intensity of approximately 2.0 METs. Sphinx Pose taken with a block under the supporting hand or beneath the seat. The prop shortens the distance to the floor so the spine can stay long instead of rounding to reach it.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Slow and even throughout the 90-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, Back, Chest.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 3 years (36 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 90 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Low back injury

iOS App for iPhone & iPad

Practice with 908 illustrated postures, custom prāṇāyāma timers & dosha meal plans

Combine classical Vata, Pitta, and Kapha balance, Six Tastes (Shad Rasa), and seasonal Ritucharya routines with verified USDA calorie, macronutrient, vitamin, and mineral tracking.

Download on the App Store Compare with Cal AI, MyFitnessPal & Yoga Apps

Related Backbend Yoga Poses

Standing Backbend at the Wall (Anuvittasana (wall))Backbend · Level 1

Standing Backbend at the Wall (Anuvittasana (wall))

Standing Backbend practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.

Reclined Hero at the Wall (Supta Virasana (wall))Backbend · Level 2

Reclined Hero at the Wall (Supta Virasana (wall))

Reclined Hero practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.

King Pigeon at the Wall (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (wall))Backbend · Level 2

King Pigeon at the Wall (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (wall))

King Pigeon practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.

Wheel Pose at the Wall (Urdhva Dhanurasana (wall))Backbend · Level 2

Wheel Pose at the Wall (Urdhva Dhanurasana (wall))

Wheel Pose practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.