Parsva Balasana: Thread the Needle Pose
Parsva balasana (PARS-va bah-LAHS-ah-nah) is a simple twist and gentle inversion that can warm up or calm down your body.
Sanskrit:
- Parsva = turned
- Bala = child
- Asana = pose
Physical Benefits:
- Twists the thoracic spine.
- Gently compresses the muscles of the upper chest.
- Stretches the upper and outer muscles of the shoulder.
Preparatory Poses:
- Childs pose | Balasana
- Table top |Bharmanasana
- Cat pose | Marjariasana
Sequential Poses:
- Puppy pose | Uttana shishosana
- Eagle pose | Garudasana
- Cow face pose | Gomukhasana
Counter Poses:
- Downward facing dog | Adho mukha svanasana
Adjustments/Modifications:
- Place a blanket underneath your knees for extra cushion.
- A similar stretch can be done in seated or standing by crossing one arm over your chest and hooking it with the opposite arm.
- Place your forearm (rather than your shoulder) on the ground.
Step-By-Step:
- Begin in a neutral tabletop position with your hands and knees on your mat.
- Exhale to reach your right arm under your left arm.
- Lower your right shoulder and ear to the ground.
- Keep equal weight in your knees, feet straight out behind you.
- Hold for 5-10 breaths. Release back to table top, then repeat on the other side.
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About the Author
Ardha Matsyendrasana: Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
ADJUSTMENTS | BENEFITS | SEQUENCING | SANSKRIT | STEPS
Ardha matsyendrasana (ARE-dah MOT-see-en-DRAHS-ah-nah) is an approachable twist that opens the shoulders and chest. A good antidote for too much sitting and symptoms that come with overusing technology, half lord of the fishes pose has the ability to increase energy in the body while also stoking the digestive fire in your belly.
Philosophy + Origin
Matsyendra is often recognized as one of the original founders of hatha yoga in yogic mythology. He was said to be a baby who was thrown into the ocean after his parents rejected him. The story of Matsyendra reminds us that it’s often the parts of our personal stories we don’t like or don’t want to accept that can be the most beneficial, especially on the path to becoming a yogi or yogini. Rather than conceptualizing the twist to be a purge of what is unwanted or unnecessary, think of the detoxification as a purification, an opportunity to take what was once viewed or understood as “bad” and transform it into something that is helpful on your personal journey.
