Balasana (sanskrit बालासन) is a relaxation pose in which the body assumes the form of a fetus.
The knees are bent to the floor and shins flat. the sitting bones are on the heals, the feet are relaxed and the soles of the feet are up. The arms are stretched backward and the palms facing up. The back is rounded and the forehead is resting on the floor.
Another variation of the pose is the extended child’s pose where the arms are stretched forward and palms face down.
Balasana relaxes the back, neck and shoulders. It relieves lower back pain and counterposes the backbendig postures in which the lower back muscles are tensed.
On a subtle level, balasana re-establishes the yogi’s connection with the energy of Earth. It brings to awareness the feeling of safety, rest and the ability to let go as you feel the forehead supported by Earth.
Balasana should be avoided during pregnancy. Several adaptations can be adopted.
