Balasana: Child’s Pose
Balasana (bah-LAHS-ah-nah) is a gentle resting pose that stretches the low back, hips, thighs, knees, and ankles while inviting release of stress and tension. Balasana’s dome shape provides an opportunity to refocus and focus on yourself.
Sanskrit:
- Bala: child
- Asana: pose
Physical Benefits:
- Gently stretches the low back, hips, thighs, knees, and ankles.
- Relaxes the spine, shoulders, and neck.
- Increases blood circulation to your head, which may relieve headaches.
Energetic Benefits:
- Calms the mind and central nervous system.
- Relieves stress, fatigue, and tension.
Preparatory Poses:
- Tabletop pose
- Cat pose
Sequential Poses:
- Puppy dog pose | Anahatasana
- Seated forward fold | Paschimottanasana
- Hero’s pose | Virasana
Counter Poses:
- Cow pose
- Sphinx pose | Salamba bhujangasana
Adjustments/Modifications:
- Place your forehead on your fist or a cushion if your head does not easily rest on the floor.
- If your knees are uncomfortable, place a cushion between your hips and your heels for support.
- If your ankles or feet are uncomfortable, place a thin cushion or rolled up towel under your ankles.
Step-By-Step:
- Start in a tabletop shape, on your hands and knees.
- Release the tops of your feet to the floor and bring your knees wider than your hips, big toes touching.
- Slowly lower your hips towards your heels.
- Walk your hands forward and rest your head on the floor or a prop.
- Take several slow breaths into your belly and chest.
- Gently release back to tabletop.
###Legal Disclaimer Before participating in any exercise program or using any fitness products or services that may be described and/or made accessible in or through the Gaia Website and/or the Services, you should consult with a physician or other healthcare provider. Read more about Gaia’s Terms Of Use.
About the Author
Downward-Facing Dog | Yoga Pose
ADJUSTMENTS | BENEFITS | CONTRAINDICATIONS | MANTRA | MUDRA | PREP POSES | SANSKRIT | STEPS | TIPS
Adho mukha svanasana (AH-doh MOO-kah shvah-NAHS-anna), also known as downward-facing dog pose, is a mild inversion that calms the nervous system and helps relieve stress. During downward-dog, focus on the details of your inhale and exhale to hone your attention. Notice your breath before entering the pose, during the pose, and after leaving the pose.
ADJUSTMENTS/MODIFICATIONS:
- Ease pressure on your wrists by placing a wedge under your palms or performing the pose on your forearms (dolphin pose).
- Elevate your hands on blocks or on the seat of a chair to take weight off of your hands, wrists, and shoulders.
- Place your palms on a wall and walk your feet back for a standing variation of downward-facing dog with more control.
