Child Pose (Balasana)
Child Pose (Balasana) is basically a resting pose that is ideal for beginners. “Bala” is a Sanskrit origin word which means “child”. Balasana is a forward bend pose in which a person surrenders himself to gravity while performing the pose and it is basically a very gentle pose.
![Child Pose (Bala Asana) [santosha.com]](http://www.santosha.com/asanas/images/bala-seq-kj-o.gif "Child Pose (Bala Asana)")
Child Pose (Balasana) [santosha.com
Benefits of the Child Pose (Balasana):
The bala-asanahelps in stretching and relaxing shoulders, neck, back muscles and thighs.
How to perform the Child Pose (Balasana):
- Sit in a “Vajraj-asana” i.e. start this asana with sitting on your knees, feet together and hips resting on your heels. Your knees should be separated about the width of your hips. Place your hands on your thighs, palms down.
- Breathe in deeply and then breathe out while bringing your chest between knees and stretching your arms forward.
- While resting your head on floor bring your arms around to your sides until the hands on resting on either side of your feet, palms up.
- Gently breathing through your nostrils while holding the posture. Hold for about one to two minutes. Then return to asana upright kneeling position.
- Perform the posture twice atleast.
Durations/Repetitions of the Child Pose (Balasana)
The bala-asana can be held for as long as is comfortable. Perform the posture twice atleast if it is held for less than a minute.
Difficulty Level and Advancement of the Child Pose (Balasana):
Bala-asana is a difficulty level 1 asana recommended for beginners.
