Child’s Pose (Balasana)
The Story Behind the Name:
Child’s Pose – Balasana (bah-LAHS-uh-nuh) — is a common kneeling beginner’s yoga pose. It is often used as a resting position in between more difficult poses during a yoga practice and it is usually practiced before and after Sirsasana.
The word “Balasana” comes from the Sanskrit words “bala” (meaning “child”) and “asana” (meaning “pose”).
Child’s Pose (Balansana) is yoga’s most important resting posture and it is a nice way to gently stretch various parts of your body and it is a gentle stretch for the back, hips, thighs, and ankles while reducing stress and fatigue.
It gently relaxes the muscles on the front of the body while softly and passively stretching the muscles of the back torso.
It can help relieve back pain.
Difficulty Level:
- Beginner
Drishti point:
- Closed Eyes
Technical details and how to start:
- Kneel on the floor. Big toes touching, widen your knees until they’re hip-width apart or what ever is comfortable position.
- Exhale and come forward stretching your hands in front of you, forehead to the mat or as much as possible.
- Relax in this position for five inhalations and exhalation.
Health Benefits:
- Gently stretches your lower back, hips, thighs, knees, and ankles.
- Relaxes you spine, shoulders, and neck.
- Increases blood circulation to your head which reduces headaches.
- Massages your internal organs.
- Calms the mind thus helping relieve stress and tension.
Beginner’s tips
- If you have difficulty sitting on your heels in this pose, place a thickly folded blanket between your back thighs and calves.
Safety Precautions
- Avoid if you have diarrhea.
- Avoid during the pregnancy.
- Avoid if you have knee injury.
- If you feel any pain, ease out of the pose.
- If you have any medical concerns, talk with your doctor before practicing yoga.
Please Note:
People who decide to start practising Yoga and who are suffering from any cardiac problem, asthma, back pain, high blood pressure, neck, shoulder or spine injury or any other health related issue, should consult a doctor before starting any yogic activities and eliminate the positions that are not suitable for their particular case. Also, some particular asanas such as inversion asanas are not recommended for female practitioners who are menstruating.
