Balasana | Child pose | Shishuasana
Child's pose or balasana is a bend, which stretches and releases the spine and lower back. You can use this pose as a warm-up pose, a resting pose or a counter pose for a back bend.
We usually don't breathe consciously and fully into the back of the torso. Balasana provides us with an excellent opportunity to do just that. Imagine that each inhalation is "doming" the back torso toward the ceiling, lengthening and widening the spine. Then with each exhalation release the torso a little more deeply into the fold.
A partner can help you lengthen the "dome" shape of your back in this pose. Have your partner stand to one of your sides. He/she should place one hand on your sacrum (fingers pointing toward the tailbone) and the other hand on your mid-back (fingers pointing toward your head). As you exhale, your partner can press gently down (toward the floor) and, without physically moving the hands, scrub them in opposite directions. Help your partner regulate the pressure on your backask for more or lessbut have him/her apply more pressure only on an exhalation. ↑
Precaution of balasana
- You can use pillows under your forehead if it is difficult to place on the floor.
- If suffering from knees injuries or diarrhea should not do this asana.
- Those suffering from high blood pressure should not practice.
- Avoid during pregnancy. ↑
Procedure of balasana
- Sit in Vajrasana or Sukhasana
- Slowly, bend forward make a fist keep it on the ground by lowering your forehead & keeping it on fist, exhaling as you do so.
- Breathe gently & hold the posture for 2 to 3 min
- After this inhale slowly & return to starting position.↑
Benefits of balasana
- Stretches and Strengthens muscle of hips, thighs and ankles
- Helps to relieve stress and fatigue.
- Increases blood circulation.
- Helps to cure back pain. ↑
