Āśleṣā kriyā on the chair

01

Support

Back-supported sitting

Concrete purposeEngage action in clear phases, then let all gripping fully dissolve before the sequence ends.

1. Settle in

Sit with feet firmly grounded, then let the back meet the backrest over as broad a surface as is comfortable.

2. Enter and hold

Support — Back-supported sitting. Reduce the effort of holding the trunk and let the support truly carry part of the weight. The hands remain free, without gripping the chair.

Desired sensation

The movement is complete when the three qualities are clearly distinguishable : minimal secure grip, lightened grip, then complete absence of contact ; pressure has decreased before opening ; and hands, shoulders and breath remain free after exit.

Success criterion

The movement is complete when the three qualities are clearly distinguishable : minimal secure grip, lightened grip, then complete absence of contact ; pressure has decreased before opening ; and hands, shoulders and breath remain free after exit. Release is incomplete if a need is felt to grasp again to finish, confirm or obtain a better sensation.

Adaptations, exit and precautions

Simple variationReduce the range, keep more contact with the seat or backrest, or stay at the first stable stage. The variation must preserve the same grammar without turning the chair into a lever.

Mistakes to avoidIntensifying geometry when only gripping should vary. Do not add a second intensification once the phase criterion is met.

Physical cautionsReduce or stop in case of pain, dizziness, numbness, increasing joint discomfort or lasting loss of comfortable breathing. No maximum range is sought. Check that the chair is stable, has no wheels and never becomes a pulling lever.

02

Target

Seated side bend

1. Settle in

From Support, prepare the transition towards Seated side bend. Sit with stable feet, centred pelvis and relaxed arms.

2. Enter and hold

Target — Seated side bend. Bend the trunk sideways from the waist, keeping both sitting bones as available as possible. One hand may accompany on the thigh or seat edge without pulling. In a conventional posture, choose a single gripping or contact relationship. Dosage : One lateral grip per side may suffice ; reduce, then release fully before any repetition.

Desired sensation

The movement is complete when the three qualities are clearly distinguishable : minimal secure grip, lightened grip, then complete absence of contact ; pressure has decreased before opening ; and hands, shoulders and breath remain free after exit.

Success criterion

The movement is complete when the three qualities are clearly distinguishable : minimal secure grip, lightened grip, then complete absence of contact ; pressure has decreased before opening ; and hands, shoulders and breath remain free after exit. Release is incomplete if a need is felt to grasp again to finish, confirm or obtain a better sensation.

Adaptations, exit and precautions

Simple variationReduce the range, keep more contact with the seat or backrest, or stay at the first stable stage. The variation must preserve the same grammar without turning the chair into a lever.

Mistakes to avoidIntensifying geometry when only gripping should vary. Do not add a second intensification once the phase criterion is met.

Physical cautionsReduce or stop in case of pain, dizziness, numbness, increasing joint discomfort or lasting loss of comfortable breathing. No maximum range is sought. Check that the chair is stable, has no wheels and never becomes a pulling lever.

03

Integration

Supported seated forward bend

Leaving the posture

Integration — Supported seated forward bend. Sit with stable feet and prepare to hinge from the hips. Incline the trunk forward within a range where the weight can be received by the available supports, without pulling the head towards the knees. Let the neck and shoulders relax. After release, return to a form where the hands hold nothing and no active contact needs maintaining.

Desired sensation

The movement is complete when the three qualities are clearly distinguishable : minimal secure grip, lightened grip, then complete absence of contact ; pressure has decreased before opening ; and hands, shoulders and breath remain free after exit.

Success criterion

The movement is complete when the three qualities are clearly distinguishable : minimal secure grip, lightened grip, then complete absence of contact ; pressure has decreased before opening ; and hands, shoulders and breath remain free after exit. Release is incomplete if a need is felt to grasp again to finish, confirm or obtain a better sensation.

Adaptations, exit and precautions

Simple variationReduce the range, keep more contact with the seat or backrest, or stay at the first stable stage. The variation must preserve the same grammar without turning the chair into a lever.

Leaving the postureIntegration — Supported seated forward bend. Sit with stable feet and prepare to hinge from the hips. Incline the trunk forward within a range where the weight can be received by the available supports, without pulling the head towards the knees. Let the neck and shoulders relax. After release, return to a form where the hands hold nothing and no active contact needs maintaining.

Mistakes to avoidIntensifying geometry when only gripping should vary. Do not add a second intensification once the phase criterion is met.

Physical cautionsReduce or stop in case of pain, dizziness, numbness, increasing joint discomfort or lasting loss of comfortable breathing. No maximum range is sought. Check that the chair is stable, has no wheels and never becomes a pulling lever.