Legs Up The Wall

Hips close to the wall, legs resting up it. Do nothing else.

8 minVataPitta

How to do it

Sit sideways against a wall, then swing the legs up it as you lie back, shuffling the hips as close to the wall as is comfortable. Let the arms rest wide and stay for up to eight minutes. Come out by bending the knees and rolling to one side, never by sitting straight up.

SeatedSeated with the legs raised onto a second chair, same height as the hips.

What it does

The single most reliable thing in this library for tired legs and a wired head.

When you'll be given it

Restorative and rest-day sessions, and any evening practice.

Where it comes from

Hatha Yoga Pradipika 3.78–81, described there as a mudra.

Take care

Not with uncontrolled blood pressure or glaucoma. Come out slowly to avoid head-rush.

The engine already leaves this out of your practice if your profile flags hypertension uncontrolled.

Not sure whether it suits you? Ask a Vaidya.

There's no button here to start this. Your practice is prescribed each morning — that's what keeps the dose honest.