Child’s Pose; benefits & modifications.
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
The Child’s Pose is also known as Balasana in Sanskrit; bala means “young and child-like, and asana means “posture.”
The Child’s Pose is considered a resting and recovery yoga posture and can be as relaxing as Savasana- the final relaxation in a yoga class. It’s a pose that is used to rest and recover after practicing more advanced poses like backbends, or you can come into the pose if you start to feel fatigued during practice and need to take a break.
I love the Child’s Pose and find it very relaxing and soothing. However, I’m not able to practice it comfortably unless I have the support of some props. It’s widespread for students to find the pose uncomfortable, and I encourage those of you that find it challenging to experiment with different props and positioning until you find it comfortable. I review props, modifications, and variations in the tutorial video (see link below).
Benefits of the Child’s Pose:
1. Stretching: It gently stretches your spine, thighs, hips, and ankles.
2. Relaxation: Relaxes mind and body, and along with deep breathing exercises, child’s pose can calm your mind, reducing stress, anxiety and fatigue.
3. Tension relief: Child’s pose releases muscle tension in your neck, shoulder, lower back, chest and hamstrings.
Avoid Child Pose If:
· You’re Pregnant.
· You’re recovering from a knee injury or surgery.
· Have an infection in the stomach or had recent stomach or chest surgery.
· Have cervical spondylosis-a degeneration of the spine and discs in your neck.
· Have severe spondylitis (inflammation of one or more vertebrae).
· Recovering from a foot or ankle injury.
Please check out this tutorial video that demonstrates how to use props to make the pose more comfortable and shows several pose variations.
Child's Pose Tutuorial-final.mp4
Puppy Pose (1)
This is another alternative to the child’s pose. Elbows should be slightly bent, and you may want to place a bolster or some cushions under your chest or forehead and a folded blanket or small pillow under your feet.
Be well.
Anita
Resources:
DISCLAIMER; The information provided on County Yoga Loft’s website blog is for general health care informational purposes only. All information on the site is provided in good faith. However, it should not replace consultation or advice from a physician and/or other healthcare practitioners. The use or reliance of any information contained on this site is solely at your own risk.
