Balasana: Child’s Pose
Balasana (bah-LAHS-ah-nah) is a gentle resting pose that stretches the low back, hips, thighs, knees, and ankles while inviting release of stress and tension. Balasana’s dome shape provides an opportunity to refocus and focus on yourself.
Sanskrit:
- Bala: child
- Asana: pose
Physical Benefits:
- Gently stretches the low back, hips, thighs, knees, and ankles.
- Relaxes the spine, shoulders, and neck.
- Increases blood circulation to your head, which may relieve headaches.
Energetic Benefits:
- Calms the mind and central nervous system.
- Relieves stress, fatigue, and tension.
Preparatory Poses:
- Tabletop pose
- Cat pose
Sequential Poses:
- Puppy dog pose | Anahatasana
- Seated forward fold | Paschimottanasana
- Hero’s pose | Virasana
Counter Poses:
- Cow pose
- Sphinx pose | Salamba bhujangasana
Adjustments/Modifications:
- Place your forehead on your fist or a cushion if your head does not easily rest on the floor.
- If your knees are uncomfortable, place a cushion between your hips and your heels for support.
- If your ankles or feet are uncomfortable, place a thin cushion or rolled up towel under your ankles.
Step-By-Step:
- Start in a tabletop shape, on your hands and knees.
- Release the tops of your feet to the floor and bring your knees wider than your hips, big toes touching.
- Slowly lower your hips towards your heels.
- Walk your hands forward and rest your head on the floor or a prop.
- Take several slow breaths into your belly and chest.
- Gently release back to tabletop.
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Anjaneyasana: Monkey Lunge Pose
Anjaneyasana (AHN-jah-nay-AHS-uh-nuh), also known as low lunge or monkey lunge, stretches the hips, gluteus muscles, and quadriceps while improving balance, concentration, and core awareness.
Philosophy and Origin:
The term anjaneya is a matronymic reference to the monkey god Hanuman using his mother’s name, Anjani. Lord Hanuman is a central part of Hindu devotional worship, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The pose resembles a young, divine child (anjaneya), reaching towards the sky and the warmth of the sun, captivated by a glowing fruit in the sky as depicted in the traditional epic.
Sanskrit:
- Anjaneya: Lord Hanumān, the divine entity of spiritual significance
- Asana: pose
