Janu Sirsasana: Head to Knee Pose
ADJUSTMENTS | BENEFITS | PREP POSES | SANSKRIT | STEPS
Janu sirsasana (JAH-new shear-SHAHS-anna), may look simple, but it combines elements of a forward fold, twist, and side body stretch. Head to knee pose stretches the hamstrings, low back, and groins and can be adjusted to be very challenging or very relaxing.
Philosophy + Origin
While the name of the pose may seem to reveal an intention based on physical anatomy (head to knee pose), janu sirsasana is really all about turning inward and creating space for self-reflection. Instead of focusing on the intensity of the posture — or a desire to bring your head to your knee — turn your attention to the peace and stillness that may be hiding beneath the more prominent sensations.
ADJUSTMENTS/MODIFICATIONS:
- Use a folded blanket under your hips to help keep a forward tilt of your pelvis.
- Place a folded blanket under your extended knee to offer support, especially if the knee doesn’t readily touch the ground.
- Loop a strap around the foot of your extended leg to deepen the stretch in the hamstrings while keeping the spine long.
- To deepen the stretch and increase the intensity of this pose, widen the space between your knees.
STEP-BY-STEP:
- Begin in a seat with your legs stretched out in front of you. If your low back rounds, sit up on some blankets or a pillow.
- Bend your right knee and place the sole of your foot near your left inner thigh, top of your foot on the ground. Option to place a blanket under your right thigh or ankle to support.
- Turn your torso toward your left leg. Inhale to lengthen your torso, exhale to walk your hands forward and reach your chest to your left toes.
- Ground down through your left thigh and reach through your left heel. Keep the front of your torso long and your sternum lifted. If there’s room, option to lower your forehead to your extended leg.
- Lengthen your tailbone behind you to encourage your natural lumbar curve.
- After up to three minutes in janu sirsasana, lift yourself up and out of the posture on an inhalation. Return to seated then repeat on the other side.
PREPARATORY POSES:
- Bound angle pose | Baddha konasana
- Reclined hand to toe pose | Supta padangusthasana
- Standing forward bend | Uttanasana
SEQUENTIAL POSES:
- Seated forward fold | Paschimottanasana
- Wide angle forward bend | Upavistha konasana
- Tree pose | Vrksasana
COUNTER POSES:
- Knees to chest pose | Apanasana
- Supported fish pose
- Savasana
SANSKRIT:
- Janu = knee
- Sirsa = head
- Asana = pose
PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
- Stretches the quadratus lumborum (QL), hamstrings, and groins.
- Thought to provide relief for headaches, menstrual discomfort, digestive issues, and stress.
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Parsvottanasana: Intense Side Stretch Pose
ADJUSTMENTS | BENEFITS | SEQUENCING | SANSKRIT | STEPS
From lengthening the spine to stretching the legs to calming the mind, there’s a little bit of everything in parsvottanasana (parsh-voh-tahn-AHS-ah-nah) Also known as intense side stretch pose or pyramid pose, this shape is helpful for finding balance while stretching hamstrings.
Parsvottanasana requires a combination of flexibility, strength, and patience. With the help of props such as blocks or a wall, this pose becomes accessible for everyone.
ADJUSTMENTS/MODIFICATIONS:
- Blocks: Place hands on blocks to help keep the torso long.
- Wall: Place hands on a wall in front of you to work on strengthening the muscles of the back.
- Heart opening variation: Take the hands in reverse prayer position behind the back to stretch and open your shoulders and chest while also challenging your balance. If reverse prayer isn’t accessible, you can still bring the arms behind the back, reaching for opposite elbows instead.
- Adjust your stance: If the back heel is lifted off of the floor, shorten the stance so you can push through the heel to activate the back leg. For more stability, widen your stance.
