How To Perform Child's Pose (relaxation) Pose?

(July 2, 2010)

Balasana (Child Pose) is a resting pose. It is derived from the Sanskrit word “Bala” which means child and “asana” which means pose. This is a simple relaxation pose. It can even be done in the middle of a yoga workout. The Child yoga poses can be done before and after any pose. It can also be performed after the Backward Bends pose. This pose helps to attain physical, mental and emotional peace. Most people look forward to doing this pose as it is different from some of the more challenging poses that yoga offers.

Here are some steps to do this pose:

1. Start off in the usual sitting position but sit straight and on your knees instead of things.
2. Bend forward slowly from the waist.
3. Reach forward with your arms as you are bending down.
4. Rest your stomach on your thighs, and put your forehead on the floor. Your buttocks should be on the heels of your feet now.
5. After this, stretch your hands forward with the palms facing upwards. Stretch down as much as you can. You should feel the weight of your shoulders pulling your shoulder blades across your back as you do this.
6. You can hold this relaxing pose for about 30 seconds or even 1-3 minutes if you can sustain it. Do remember that this is a resting pose.
7. Relax your shoulder, breathe.
8. Rest
9. Exiting the pose: stretch the front part of your body, inhale and then get up from the tailbone as it presses down and into your pelvis.
10. If you face any problems while performing this pose, use props to help you out. Fold a towel or a blanket and put it between your thighs and calves. This will help you to bring your body forward and to touch your forehead to the floor. Persons who are fat or have loose abdominal muscles may face a problem while doing this pose.

This pose can help you in the following ways:-

Stretches the thighs, hips, spine and ankles
It helps reduces fatigue and stress by calming the brain.
It can help you to get rid of neck and back pain if the head and torso are supported during the pose.
It helps increase the flow of air to the back of your torso.

Avoid performing this pose if you are pregnant, have diarrhea, or you have a thigh or knee injury.

Submitted by A on July 2, 2010 at 04:22

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