Child Pose - Balasana
Beginner

Child Pose

Balasana

Pronunciation: bah-LAHS-anna

Child Pose, or Balasana, is a gentle and restorative yoga posture that offers a calming retreat from the demands of daily life. It is a foundational resting pose that helps to relieve stress, fatigue, and anxiety, while gently stretching the hips, thighs, and ankles.

Restorative Calming Stretch

Benefits of Child Pose

Finding comfort and tranquility

Calms the Brain

Helps to alleviate stress, anxiety, and fatigue, promoting mental relaxation.

Gently Stretches

Stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles, while gently lengthening the lower back.

Relieves Back & Neck Pain

When practiced with head and torso supported, it can help relieve back and neck pain.

Encourages Proper Breathing

Promotes deep, calm breathing, which can help to soothe the nervous system.

Promotes Self-Soothing

Offers a sense of comfort and security, allowing for introspection and self-soothing.

Improves Sleep

Regular practice can help to reduce insomnia and improve overall sleep quality.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Embracing the tranquility of Child Pose

1

Start on Knees

Begin by kneeling on your yoga mat. You can keep your knees together or widen them to hip-width apart, depending on what feels more comfortable for your hips and belly.

2

Sit on Heels

Bring your big toes to touch (if knees are together) and sit your hips back towards your heels. If sitting on your heels is uncomfortable, place a blanket or cushion between your hips and heels.

3

Fold Forward

Exhale and fold your torso forward, resting your chest between or on your thighs. Allow your forehead to rest gently on the mat.

4

Arm Position

You have two options for your arms: either extend them forward with palms down, or bring them back alongside your torso with palms facing up, resting next to your feet.

5

Relax and Breathe

Allow your body to completely relax into the pose. Close your eyes and breathe deeply and evenly, feeling your belly expand and contract against your thighs. Hold for as long as desired.

Key Alignment Cues

Essential points for a comfortable and restorative Child Pose

Lower Body

  • Knees together or wide apart.
  • Hips resting on or towards heels.
  • Forehead resting on mat or prop.

Upper Body

  • Torso resting on or between thighs.
  • Arms extended forward or alongside body.
  • Shoulders relaxed, no tension.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Errors:
  • Forcing hips to heels
  • Holding tension in shoulders
  • Neck strain from unsupported head
Corrections:
  • Use a blanket or cushion under hips
  • Consciously relax shoulders
  • Place a block or blanket under forehead

Variations

Adapt Child Pose for different needs

Knees Wide Apart

Separate your knees to allow more space for your torso, especially if pregnant or have a larger belly.

Supported Child Pose

Place a bolster or stacked blankets under your torso and forehead for deeper relaxation.

Arms Alongside Body

Bring your arms back alongside your torso with palms facing up for a more internal and restful variation.

Therapeutic Benefits

Child Pose is particularly beneficial for:

Stress Relief Anxiety Fatigue Back Pain (mild) Insomnia

Rest and Rejuvenate

Discover the calming power of Child Pose at our Dubai studio