We all know the power of yoga when it comes to healing our body, mind, and soul. From your physical health to your mental well-being, yoga is your super healer to alleviate you from all sorts of ailments and boost strength both outside and inside the body.
Child’s Pose (Shishuasana)
Also known as the resting pose, child’s pose, or Shishuasana, is especially helpful to induce relaxation after various inversions and backbends during a yoga routine. The name Shishuasana is derived from Sanskrit and was brought about by the way a baby sleeps (‘shishu’ means baby).
Child’s Pose helps to promote calm mentally as well as physically and is one of the restorative yoga poses that promote gentle stretching of your hips, ankles, and thighs.
Child’s Pose Directions:
The following steps will help you master the technique of performing child’s pose.
- Sit down on your knees with your hips touching your heels.
- Bend forward to bring your forehead forward to touch the floor. If you are unable to touch the floor, you have the option to bend as far as you comfortably can.
- Place your arms along the sides of your body with your palms facing up towards the ceiling. If this feels a little uncomfortable, place one fist on top of the other and place your forehead on your fists.
- Gently press your chest down on your thighs.
- Hold this position for a few seconds and focus on your breath.
- Slowly rise up and sit back on your heels to return to the starting position.
Child’s Pose Variations:
Child’s pose should help you feel relaxed and comfortable. Below are a few ways you can modify this pose to promote relaxation and comfort.
Variation 1:
If you are experiencing discomfort while lowering your belly to the ground, you have the option to widen your knees to make room for your belly. This variation is extremely beneficial when you are pregnant.
Variation 2:
Looking for more of a stretch? Press your palms on the mat and lift your arms up and away from the mat to get more of a deeper stretch.
Variation 3:
Add a pillow or cushion for support. Place the pillow under your belly to promote flexibility and help you relax a little more during the pose.
Benefits of Child’s Pose:
Child’s Pose brings immense benefits to the body, especially when it comes to relaxing the body and mind.
The following are a few added benefits that come with practicing this pose:
- Alleviates any pain in the neck, head, or shoulders
- Prevents and reduces feelings of anxiety and depression
- Excellent pose to reduce stress
- Helps to prevent and treat constipation
- Induces relaxation in the spine
- Eases and opens up the hips
- Has a calming effect on the nervous system
Child’s Pose Precautions:
As with many exercises, it is important to listen to your body and avoid exposing yourself to harmful injuries. It is important to consult your doctor if you are suffering from any chronic illness or recovering from any injuries.
Avoid practicing child’s pose in case of:
- Any back or knee injury
- If you are pregnant
- If you are suffering or recently suffered from diarrhea
Get in touch with your yoga teacher to learn how to perform the asana correctly and to avail the helpful benefits that child’s pose brings to your physical and mental health.
Quick FAQs
1. How can one perform child’s pose?
Child’s pose requires you to stretch and induce relaxation to the mind and body. By following the simple steps noted above, you can practice child’s pose to improve your overall well-being.
2. What are the benefits of child’s pose?
One of the most important benefits of child’s pose is the increase in relaxation and calmness you will feel from practicing this pose.
Updated by Siya Rajan on 05/30/2018
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
DOYOUYOGA.COM. (2018). 7 Variations for a More Comfortable Child’s Pose. [online] Available at: https://www.doyouyoga.com/7-variations-for-a-more-comfortable-childs-pose/
