The Buttafly — a yoga block, meditation seat and back care aid
Supporting natural alignment, comfort and ease in practice, rest and daily life
The Buttafly is a versatile yoga block, meditation seat and back care aid.
It was developed by Loulou James, MCSP, a yoga teacher and since-retired physiotherapist, to support natural back care through simple, practical use in sitting, rest and practice.
In essence, the Buttafly is founded on the understanding that the spine plays a central role in how we move, breathe and organise ourselves in daily life.
This perspective frames natural back care as relevant not only when there's pain, but also as part of everyday well-being. In this way, the spine can be understood as an instrument of health.
One tool, three ways to support your well-being
The Buttafly for yoga
Tall Buttafly
Tall Buttafly
The Buttafly for meditation
Standard Buttafly
The Buttafly for natural back care and spine health
Flat Buttafly
The Buttafly is the foundation of the Buttafly Technique — a gentle, evidence-based approach to natural back care and spine health.
Rather than relying on force or correction, the Technique works with the body's own capacity to soften, settle and reorganise when given the right conditions.
Work with Loulou James, founder of the Buttafly
Over the years, I've noticed that lasting change rarely comes from trying harder. More often, it begins with awareness.
The Buttafly supports that process. Some people discover it through back pain and become more consciously aware of their spine. Others find it supports greater awareness in their practice, whether yoga or meditation.
For me, that journey of awareness led somewhere unexpected.
Through the discovery of the Buttafly Technique, much of what I thought I knew about the spine and back pain from 30 years as a physiotherapist was challenged, revealing a deeper relationship between the spine and the body's innate wisdom and capacity for change.
This understanding continues to shape how I work with people. I stay curious and responsive, working with what arises rather than trying to fit people or experience into fixed models. It takes a whole-person approach that recognises the many factors influencing how we move, feel and function.
Grounded in more than 40 years of clinical experience, my work promotes and supports lasting change through one-to-one consultations, educational programmes, workplace well-being, group events and self-guided resources.
If you're looking for a fresh perspective, whatever your angle, I hope you'll find it here.
What our clients say
"My friend and I attended one of Loulou's sessions at the London Yoga Show and were so impressed, we immediatley bought a Buttafly each... Since using it regularly my long-standing sacroiliac joint has disappeared so I am a great enthusiast!”
Jacki Matthews
"At the end of the day, once used, the product speaks for itself – it has revolutionised my life providing an opportunity for treatment whenever I need, help me to take control of my own physical well being… What could be better?”
JoRae
"I really struggle to sit cross-legged in my yoga classes due to tight hip muscle. With the Buttafly, I could do all the seated postures, cross-legged, in my class for the first time in years. Any of you who have the same problem, buy one.”
Karen Salisbury
"What a wonderful product. It is so easy to use and has quick results! I had a free taster and I felt like my posture was aligned in minutes. So I bought one! ”
Joanne Barker
"The Buttafly is one of the best supports I've used for sitting posture - it's great for alignment and comfort and also has a multitude of uses. Thank you.”
Neil Oliver
"The Buttafly is truly amazing. I suffer from chronic lower back pain and already it has helped me. I will definitely be using it daily. Thank you so much.”
Kasia Kowalska-Trela
"The Buttafly is the most effective self-care tool for the pelvis and postural alignment.”
Madelin Semper
Massage Therapist & Educator
"I have been using my Buttafly for over a year now and find it indispensible in my practice.”
Mary Nelson
Yoga Teacher
"Surprisingly simple and effective body tool - I love it!”
Angela Farmer
International Yoga Teacher
"An amazing prop. I sue it all the time and bring it with me when I travel. Just love it!”a
Marija Kovandic
Yoga Teacher
"The Buttafly is an ingenious design.”
Fiona Agombar
Yoga Therapist, Author & Rest Activist
"Since getting the Buttafly, I have been in love with my seated practice."
Matt Appleby
Yoga & Meditation Teacher
"Like all the best things in life, the Buttafly is simple, effective & versatile!"
Ted Walker
Yogi and Gong Player
"Every time our students gravitate towards the Buttafly - it's so good!"
Gilly Naughton
Yoga Teacher & Studio Owner
"The Buttafly is simply amazing"
Faith Minty
Psychiatric Nurse & Yogini
"I find the Buttafly incredibly beneficial."
Virginia Dutton
Naturopath & Nutritional Therapist
"I have pronounced scoliosis and the Buttafly gives me huge relief from pain."
Lalita Devi
Yogini & Kirtan Performer
"I felt immediate change in my posture after the Buttafly Technique."
Nick Edge
Yoga & Meditation Teacher
"The Buttafly is an inspirational prop - I wish I'd bought mine sooner!"
Kirsty Stewart
Yoga & Meditation Teacher
"I use the Buttafly Technique daily for my hips and lower back."
Dave Carter
Weight-Lifter and Gym Owner
As someone with limited hip flexibility, I struggled for years to find a comfortable meditation seat or stool to no avail. I finally discovered the Tall Buttafly and now also use it together with a flat Buttafly. It is perfect for me, as I had been sitting in a chair. Sitting on my Buttafly feels great; I feel I can really ground into the earth, which I love to do in meditation.
Susan Hardwick
Wow, what a difference that little session has made. I can feel the instant improvement in my posture. A good feeling now when I sit to meditate; previous to this, had a lot of discomfort in my knees and back and hips. A feeling of true elevation and connection through the crown. I have not doubt that with the continuation and use of the Buttafly and the exercises provided that my posture will improve no end. Thank you so much x
Kev Dunn
I bought the Buttafly on the Friday. The first time I used it was amazing - the stretch and release of my back and hips! I feel so much taller and straighter. This is an amazing tool that everyone should try. Thank you so much for showing me this wonderful tool.
Caz
I have suffered with chronic osteoarthritis for 30 years. I have been taking morphine-based drugs and sleeping medication too. I usually walk with crutches. Now, having found Loulou, I am blown away with the "Buttafly". After ten minutes of using it, I was able to walk unaided and amazingly pain-free. So I bought one of my own that day. Thank you so much, and I promise I will be spreading the word far and wide. Blessings and love.
Gill Hughes
A wonderful experience - after just a few minutes of laying on the Buttafly, I walked away feeling amazing, like I'd just left my chiropractor!
Marina
Thanks you for the great session and the introduction to the Buttafly. I am amazed! I'm looking forward to using my set daily now and looking forward to better posture. Thank you so much... You are a beautiful soul and the work you do is also beautiful, very special and very much needed.