Balasana - Child pose

Balasana (child pose) is resting pose that centers, calms, and soothes the brain, making it a therapeutic posture for relieving stress. When performed with the head and torso supported, it can also help relieve back and neck pain. Sometimes used as a counter-pose to backbends, Child's Pose restores balance and equanimity to the body.

Regular practice of Child's Pose teaches conscious exploration of the breath. Keeping the breath slow, long, and steady allows for a new awareness of the breath's path through the front and back of the body.

​Instructions how to do it:
​
Begin on your hands and knees. Center your breath, and begin to let your thoughts slow down. Turn your awareness inward. Spread your knees wide apart while keeping your big toes touching. Rest your buttocks on your heels. Sit up straight and lengthen your spine up through the crown of your head.
On an exhalation, bow forward. Allow your forehead to come to the floor.
Keep your arms long and extended, palms facing down. Press back slightly with your hands to keep your buttocks in contact with your heels.  Allow all tension in your shoulders, arms, and neck to drain away.

---

​Cautions:
Do not practice Child's Pose if you have a current or recent knee injury. Women who are pregnant should only practice a wide-legged variation of the pose — do not press the belly on top of the thighs.
Always work within your own range of limits and abilities. If you have any medical concerns, talk with your doctor before practicing yoga.
If you have difficulty resting your buttocks on your heels, place a thickly folded blanket between the backs of your thighs and your calves.
Spreading the knees wider apart can create a deeper stretch in the hips.

Any Questions? Please email me and I would love to help you out.
​Maya