advanced

Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose

Supta Vajrasana

SOOP-tah vahj-RAHS-ah-nah

An advanced supine backbend that deeply stretches the quadriceps, hip flexors, and abdomen, while offering a profound opening of the chest and shoulders. It is a powerful pose for releasing tension and calming the nervous system.

Chakras
PrimaryAnahata (Heart)
SecondaryManipura (Solar Plexus)Svadhisthana (Sacral)
Gaze:Third Eye
Quick Summary
  • Start in Hero's Pose, slowly recline onto your back.

  • Keep your knees together, or allow them to separate slightly if needed.

  • Relax your arms overhead or alongside your body.

Foundation
  • Ensure a pain-free Hero's Pose before reclining; do not force knee or ankle joints.

  • Use your elbows and forearms to lower yourself slowly and with control.

Alignment
  • Keep the knees drawing toward each other, avoiding excessive splaying.

  • Allow the spine to release into the backbend; avoid crunching the lower back.

  • Relax the head and neck; if the chin lifts excessively, use a pillow under the head.

Breathe deeply into the abdomen and chest, allowing the breath to release tension.
kneelingbackbendsupine