Parsva Balasana: Thread the Needle Pose
Parsva balasana (PARS-va bah-LAHS-ah-nah) is a simple twist and gentle inversion that can warm up or calm down your body.
Sanskrit:
- Parsva = turned
- Bala = child
- Asana = pose
Physical Benefits:
- Twists the thoracic spine.
- Gently compresses the muscles of the upper chest.
- Stretches the upper and outer muscles of the shoulder.
Preparatory Poses:
- Childs pose | Balasana
- Table top |Bharmanasana
- Cat pose | Marjariasana
Sequential Poses:
- Puppy pose | Uttana shishosana
- Eagle pose | Garudasana
- Cow face pose | Gomukhasana
Counter Poses:
- Downward facing dog | Adho mukha svanasana
Adjustments/Modifications:
- Place a blanket underneath your knees for extra cushion.
- A similar stretch can be done in seated or standing by crossing one arm over your chest and hooking it with the opposite arm.
- Place your forearm (rather than your shoulder) on the ground.
Step-By-Step:
- Begin in a neutral tabletop position with your hands and knees on your mat.
- Exhale to reach your right arm under your left arm.
- Lower your right shoulder and ear to the ground.
- Keep equal weight in your knees, feet straight out behind you.
- Hold for 5-10 breaths. Release back to table top, then repeat on the other side.
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