Asana · Practise on your own
Vasisthasana
Side plank
Side plank, named for the sage Vasishtha. Balanced on one hand and the edge of one foot.
Awaiting subject reviewWritten from our source material and not yet checked by a teacher of this practice. Read it as reference, and learn the practice from someone who teaches it.
- Meaning
- Vasishtha = a sage of the Vedic tradition, asana = seat or posture
- Family
- Arm balance
- Level
- Intermediate
- Gaze
- Upper hand
Take care
Go gently with wrist or shoulder injury.
How it is done
- 1
Breathe freely
From plank, turn onto the outer edge of the right foot and stack the left foot on top.
- 2
Breathe in
Lift the left arm toward the ceiling, the body in one line.
- 3
Breathe freely
Stay for several breaths, then change sides.
Holding it
Several breaths on each side.
Making it easier
Lower the bottom knee to the floor.
What the tradition says it does
- Strengthens the arms, shoulders and sides of the body
Variations
Sources and tradition
- YOG Union App Content Map, 2 November 2026, p. 4