Why is it called child’s pose?

Child’s pose, also referred to as ‘balasana’ is a resting pose practiced in almost every yoga and barre class. The pose is called ‘child’s pose’ because you form the shape of a baby as your spine is curved similar to a fetus.

Set up

  1. Begin on all fours.
  2. Sit hips back to rest on ankles/heels.
  3. Reach arms overhead or set arms beside hips.
  4. Rest forehead on ground or mat while lowering your chest to the ground.
childs pose stretch example

Benefits

  1. Calms the mind. By placing your head down on the mat or ground, this causing an instant calming and soothing effect on the brain.
  2. It’s great for digestion. By doing child’s pose with your knees closer together and allowing your belly to rest on your thighs, is a great way to massage the internal organs which may help move your digestion along.
  3. It elongates the lower back. If you sit at a desk all day or stand up for a long period of time, chances are you have lower back pain. This is because we tend to dump our weight to our lower back. Child’s pose allows you to open up and stretch this area of the body.

If you have a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease, do this pose with caution. Ask your physician or physical therapist if child’s pose is okay for your back.

Learn more about treatment options for neck and back pain at OrthoIndy