Backbend Asana · Intermediate (Level 3) · Catalog #800436

Tiriang Mukhottanasana Tiriang Mukhottanasana

A standing backbend descending until the hands catch the ankles. Among the deepest spinal extensions practised.

Practice Tiriang Mukhottanasana (Tiriang Mukhottanasana) 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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Tiriang Mukhottanasana (Tiriang Mukhottanasana) — Backbend Yoga Posture Illustration

Tiriang Mukhottanasana (Tiriang Mukhottanasana) — Backbend posture targeting Back, Shoulders, Quads · Even ujjayi breath · Backward drishti.

Vāta: Neutral (0) Pitta: Increases (+2) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Tiriang Mukhottanasana
Posture Family
Backbend
Difficulty
Intermediate (Level 3)
Recommended Hold
12 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Backward
Target Muscles
Back, Shoulders, Quads
Energy Expenditure
5.0 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Tiriang Mukhottanasana

Tiriang Mukhottanasana (Tiriang Mukhottanasana) belongs to the Backbend posture family and engages the Back, Shoulders, Quads at an intensity of approximately 5.0 METs. A standing backbend descending until the hands catch the ankles. Among the deepest spinal extensions practised.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 12-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Backward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Back, Shoulders, Quads.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 20 years (240 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: Increases (+2) — 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

  • Low back injury
  • Shoulder injury
  • Vertigo

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