Balaasana

Bala-Asana - The Child Pose

The sanskrit word Bala - Means Child. The posture signifies a small child, thus the name Bala-Asana.

The balaasana is one of the most relaxing Yoga postures and can easily be done by beginners. As part of your Yoga routine it is best to use this as a counter-pose to any posture that stretch the spine backward (such as the dhanuraasana, the chakraasana, the ushtraasana)

How to Do Balasana?

• Sit on your knees with your feet together and buttocks resting on your heels.
• Separate your knees about the width of your hips.
• Place your hands on your thighs, palms down. (This is the same as vajraasana).
• Inhale deeply, then exhale as you bring your chest between your knees while swinging your arms forward.
• Now rest your forehead on the floor, as far as possible
• Bring your arms around to your sides until the hands are resting on either side of your feet, palms up.
• Breath gently as you hold the posture.
• Hold for as long as possible, 60-80 seconds
• Return to upright kneeling position with your back straight and your hands on your thighs.

Benefits of Balasana:

• Balaasana gently stretches and relaxes the shoulders, neck, back muscles and thighs.
• It is good for stomach & digestive organs
• It used to normalize the circulation (after holding certain difficult poses) and to give a counter-stretch to the spine after any backward bend poses.
• It can be done before - or after - any pose, or even on its own.
• It stretches the hips, thighs and ankles gently.
• It helps relieve stress and fatigue, and calms the brain.