Hip Opener Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800460

Thread the Needle Supine Supta Sucirandhrasana

The supine figure-four with the hands drawing the underneath thigh toward the chest.

Practice Thread the Needle Supine (Supta Sucirandhrasana) 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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Thread the Needle Supine (Supta Sucirandhrasana) — Hip Opener Yoga Posture Illustration

Thread the Needle Supine (Supta Sucirandhrasana) — Hip Opener posture targeting Glutes, Hip Flexors · Slow and even breath · Upward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Supta Sucirandhrasana
Posture Family
Hip Opener
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
75 seconds
Breath Pattern
Slow and even
Drishti (Gaze)
Upward
Target Muscles
Glutes, Hip Flexors
Energy Expenditure
1.6 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Thread the Needle Supine

Thread the Needle Supine (Supta Sucirandhrasana) belongs to the Hip Opener posture family and engages the Glutes, Hip Flexors at an intensity of approximately 1.6 METs. The supine figure-four with the hands drawing the underneath thigh toward the chest.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Slow and even throughout the 75-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 Glutes, Hip Flexors.
  • 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 75 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Knee injury

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