Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Mandalasana B Mean?
Mandalasana B is a standing and twisting backbend that is part of the fourth series of Ashtanga yoga. It is a challenging posture that requires a subtle spine, strong shoulders and balance. The name comes from the Sanskrit mandala, meaning “circle,” and asana, meaning “posture” or “pose.”
This asana is a moving posture that is a combination of downward-facing dog pose (adho mukha svanasana) and wheel pose (urdhva dhanurasana). From down dog, the legs flip over into wheel and then continue in the same direction, walking the feet in a circle around the hands, alternately flipping from down dog to the wheel backbend.
In English, it is known as circle pose B.
Yogapedia Explains Mandalasana B
Mandalasana B is also known in Ashtanga and other forms of yoga as parivrttasana B, or twisting round and round pose. Three rotations in each direction comprise the full practice of the asana. Because it is a challenging posture, mandalasana B should not be attempted until simpler backbends and twists are mastered, including mandalasana A, which is performed with the head touching the ground.
As a twisting asana, mandalasana B relieves stress and anxiety. As an inversion, the asana encourages a different perspective on situations, builds confidence, teaches humility and energizes the mind. Mandalasana B is believed to open both the manipura (solar plexus) and anahata (heart) chakras. Manipura is associated with a strong sense of identity and self-esteem, while anahata is associated with self-love, compassion and forgiveness.
During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your Doshas May Be Unbalanced.
To help you bring attention to your doshas and to identify what your predominant dosha is, we created the following quiz.
Try not to stress over every question, but simply answer based off your intuition. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.