Why and how do we do Childs Pose?

The term “Child’s Pose” comes from the Sanskrit words “bala” and “asana”, which translate to “child” and “pose.” This pose is truly a resting pose. It is meant to nourish and nurture our body. You can hold it for long periods of time, and often without the need for props.

Getting into child’s pose:  Kneel on a yoga mat or the floor. Bring your knees together and your backside to your feet. Exhale and slowly rest your upper body over your thighs so that your forehead touches the mat, or stack your fists, and release your forehead on your fists, or use a block. Place your palms on the floor and reach your arms until you feel your shoulder blades stretching across your back. For a more passive version, let your arms rest palms up behind you, at your sides. You can also widen your knees so that your hips and torso fall closer to the mat. It is not intended to be challenging, but comforting and protective.

Take a few deep belly breaths now. Do you feel that stretch in your spine? And your low back?

The Benefits of Child’s Pose:

⦁ Releases tension in the back, shoulders and chest
⦁ Recommended if you have dizziness or fatigue, during class, or throughout your day.
⦁ Helps alleviate stress and anxiety
⦁ Flexes the body’s internal organs and keeps them supple
⦁ It lengthens and stretches the spine
⦁ Relieves neck and lower back pain when performed with the head and torso supported
⦁ It gently stretches the hips, thighs and ankles
⦁ Normalizes circulation throughout the body
⦁ Great for digestion
⦁ It stretches muscles, tendons and ligaments in the knee
⦁ Calms the mind and body
⦁ Encourages strong and steady breathing

The next time you're doing Child's pose think about the amazing things that are going on inside and outside of your body. This pose is truly restorative, and it's acceptable in any yoga class to go to Child's Pose anytime you need a break.