Balasana

Balasana
Balasana

Balasana (Sanskrit: बालासन), Child's Pose,[1] or Child's Resting Pose, is an asana.

Contents

Etymology

The name comes from the Sanskrit words bala meaning "child" and asana (आसन) meaning "posture" or "seat".[2]

Description

In this pose, the body faces the floor in a fetal position. The knees and hips are bent with the shins on the floor. The chest can rest either on the knees or the knees can be spread to about the width of a yoga mat, allowing the chest to go between the knees. The head is stretched forward towards the ground - the forehead may touch the ground. The arms may be stretched forward in front of the head or backwards towards the feet.

Benefits

Balasana is a simple relaxation position in yoga. The pose can become active through breath. Many yoga instructors[who?] recommend using this pose if a rest is needed and allow students to substitute this pose for Downward Dog during a sun salutation.[citation needed]

Follow-up poses

Balasana is a counter pose for various poses and is usually practiced before and after Sirsasana/Headstand.

See also

  • List of Hatha yoga postures

References

  1. ^ "Yoga Journal - Child's Pose". http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/475. Retrieved 2011-04-09. 
  2. ^ Sinha, S.C. (1 June 1996). Dictionary of Philosophy. Anmol Publications PVT. LTD.. p. 18. ISBN 9788170412939. http://books.google.com/books?id=-zzRvh1fRzEC&pg=PA18. Retrieved 9 April 2011. 

Further reading

External links