The Child’s Pose in Yoga is called as Shishuasana or Balasana in Sanskrit. Shishu or Bala in Sanskrit refer to a child and asana refers to a pose in yoga (Goel, 2014). This yogasana resembles the resting position of a fetus, and hence the name. The asana provides rest and relaxation, is restorative in nature and confers a calming effect on the performer (Cnyha, 2010).
The primary anatomical focus of the Balasana is the thighs. The asana also focuses on relaxing the back, hips, neck, and shoulders (Cnyha, 2010).
Therapeutic Applications and Benefits of Balasana
Therapeutic applications of Balasana include releasing the tension in the chest, back, and shoulders, relieving pain in the lower back and neck, and providing relief from constipation. This asana stretches the spine to lengthen it, and stretches the thighs, hips, and ankles gently to relax them (“Child’s pose”, n.d.). It also stretches the tendons, knee ligaments and muscles. The asana, in particular, deeply relaxes the back and soothes the nerve system (Cnyha, 2010).
Shishuasana is recommended for those suffering from fatigue and dizziness as the asana helps to relieve anxiety and the stress it causes. In addition, the Child’s Pose regulates blood circulation throughout the body to normalize it, and promotes breathing in a strong and steady manner. Indeed, Balasana allows the performer to inhale completely till the back of the upper torso and with each exhalation, the feeling of relaxation deepens. The performer is also encouraged to focus on breathing when doing the asana. By improving the breathing technique of the performer, Balasana ensures that his mind and body become calm (Cnyha, 2010).
Further, the pose helps to flex the internal organs of the body, and maintains their suppleness. If the asana is performed with an open and calm mind, the gravitational pull it offers to the entire body provides relief to the performer at three levels namely, physical, emotional, and mental (Cnyha, 2010).
Contraindications of Balasana
Balasana is contraindicated in individuals suffering from serious injuries to the knee and back, unless performed under the supervision of a teacher since the pose requires the performer to bend the knees and the body forward from hip upwards (“Child’s pose”, n.d.). Those who have suffered recently from or are still suffering from diarrhea should avoid performing Balasana as it strains the stomach region. Pregnant women are also advised against doing this asana as it presses the chest and stomach regions against the thighs (The Art of Living, n.d.).
For the same reason, those who have undergone surgery to the hips and those suffering the acid reflux should avoid the pose. However, such individuals can perform Balasana with some modification- instead of touching the knees to each other, keep them apart by a distance equaling the width of the hip, and bring the big toes together. Such a pose provides ample room for a swelling tummy in case of a pregnant woman, and does not strain the hips or the stomach in case of hip surgery and acid reflux patients (Cnyha, 2010).
References
Child’s pose. (n.d.) Yoga Journal. Retrieved from http://www.yogajournal.com/pose/child-s-pose/.
Cnyha. (2010) The health benefits of Balasana: The child’s pose. Retrieved from http://www.cnyhealingarts.com/2010/11/08/the-health-benefits-of-balasana-childs-pose/.
Goel, M. (2014) Yoga poses: Balasana (Child’s pose). Retrieved from http://workouttrends.com/balasana-childs-pose.
The Art of Living. (n.d.) Child pose (Shishuasana). Retrieved from http://www.artofliving.org/yoga/yoga-poses/child-pose-shishuasana.
