6 Benefits of Balasana (Child’s Pose) and How to Do it?

Introduction

In our fast-paced lives, we frequently overlook the significance of slowing down and grounding ourselves. Yoga offers us this chance by introducing us to various asanas or poses. One such yoga pose, brimming with multiple benefits, is the Balasana or Child’s Pose. This blog will delve into what Balasana is, its numerous benefits, and guide you on how to correctly perform this calming pose.

What is Balasana?

Balasana, commonly referred to as Child’s Pose, originates from the Sanskrit words “bala” meaning child and “asana” indicating pose or posture. As the name suggests, it emulates the posture of a child resting in tranquillity.

To perform the Balasana, you begin in a kneeling position and sit back on your heels. The distance between your knees can either mirror the width of your hips or they can be nestled together. You then lower your torso towards your thighs and allow your forehead to rest on the floor. The arms can either be extended forward with palms facing down or relaxed alongside your body with palms up. This posture encourages deep breathing and relaxation, making it an immensely restorative pose.

As we move forward in this blog post, we will explore how practising the child’s pose regularly can contribute towards both physical well-being and mental peace.

How to do it?

Performing Balasana, also known as Child’s Pose, can be done in a few easy steps:

1. Start Position: Begin your session standing on a yoga mat in a tabletop position. Make sure your hands are directly under your shoulders and knees under your hips.
2. Kneel: Carefully, spread your knees apart while keeping your big toes touching. For a more comfortable stretch, you can keep your knees hip-width apart.
3. Lower Your Body: Exhale and slowly lower your torso down between your thighs. Let your abdomen rest on your thighs.
4. Forehead to the Ground: Gradually bring your forehead to the mat. If it doesn’t reach the ground comfortably, you can place a cushion or folded blanket under your head for support.
5. Arm Position: You have the option to extend your arms forward with palms facing down or relax them alongside your body with palms facing up. Choose the position that feels most comfortable for you.
6. Breathe: Remember to focus on your breath as you inhale deeply and exhale slowly. Try to let your body relax into the pose, releasing tension from your eyes, jaw, and shoulders.
7. Hold the Pose: Stay in Balasana for 1 to 5 minutes, or longer if comfortable for you. Listen to your body and adjust the pose as necessary.
8. To Release: When ready to come out of the pose, place your palms under your shoulders, press into the ground, and slowly lift your torso back to a seated position.

6 Benefits of Balasana

Balasana, also known as the Child’s Pose, is a restorative yoga asana that offers numerous health benefits. Embracing Balasana in your yoga practice can enhance both your physical and mental wellbeing. Here are six key Balasana benefits.

1. Relieves Stress and Anxiety

One of the most significant Balasana yoga benefits is its ability to soothe the mind. This pose promotes relaxation by triggering the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps reduce stress and anxiety levels. The forward fold in Balasana, coupled with deep breathing exercises, calms the mind and body, offering relief from daily stresses.

2. Stretches the Back and Spine

Balasana is also effective in stretching your back muscles, including the erector spinae, the muscles that run along your spine. The gentle stretch provided by this pose can alleviate tension from these muscles, improve your posture and maintain spinal flexibility. A regular practice of Balasana can thus aid in taking care of your spine’s health.

3. Opens the Hips

Balasana targets the hip flexors and groin area, releasing tension from these parts of the body. This opening of the hips can be particularly beneficial for those who sit for extended periods or engage in high-impact activities. The pose helps improve mobility and flexibility in the hips, enhancing overall body movement.

4. Improves Digestion

The Child’s Pose also aids digestion. The gentle pressure exerted on the abdomen during this pose can stimulate your digestive system, thus potentially easing symptoms like constipation, bloating and indigestion. Regularly practicing Balasana may contribute to improving your digestive health.

5. Alleviates Fatigue

Fatigue can be efficiently tackled through Balasana. Serving as a resting pose, it allows the body to rejuvenate. The deep breathing performed during this pose can reduce both physical and mental fatigue. If you’ve had a long, tiring day, incorporating Balasana in your restorative yoga practice can restore your energy levels.

6. Enhances Focus and Mindfulness

Lastly, Balasana encourages introspection and mindfulness. This pose allows practitioners to turn inward and focus on their breath, thereby enhancing their ability to concentrate and remain present in the moment. Regularly practicing Balasana can therefore contribute towards increasing focus and mindfulness.

Read More: 7 Most Beneficial Yoga Poses

Conclusion

In summary, Balasana (Child’s Pose) offers numerous benefits for both body and mind, including stress relief, back and hip stretching, improved digestion, fatigue alleviation, and enhanced focus. This calming pose is essential for practitioners of all levels, providing a moment of mindful rest and relaxation in our busy lives. Incorporating Balasana into your routine fosters a deeper connection with yourself, promoting inner peace and overall well-being. Remember to listen to your body and practice with comfort in mind. Give Balasana a try, and experience the rejuvenating benefits it brings to your physical and mental health. Happy practicing!

Also Read: 6 Yoga Poses to Kickstart Your Morning Routine

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