Balasana (Child's Pose) - Health Benefits for Body and Mind

What Are the Health Benefits of Balasana for Mind and Body?

Balasana is a convenient and relaxing yoga posture that individuals perform to calm their body and mind. This asana is usually a resting pose during yoga for relaxation. Balasana helps to stretch your hips, back, thighs and ankles. The majority of individuals prefer doing Balasana yoga to reduce stress and calm the brain.

Whether you are a beginner in yoga or experienced, add the Balasana yoga pose to your daily life to experience amazing health benefits. Continue reading this blog to learn more about Balasana yoga, the steps to follow, and more.

What is Balasana or Child’s Pose?

Balasana, also commonly known as Child’s Pose, is derived from the Sanskrit words “Bala," which means child, and "asana," which means posture. As the name suggests, it indicates a child's posture resting in tranquillity. This asana is quite effective for stretching and relaxing your hips, back, ankles, and thighs. Alongside its physical benefits, you can reconnect with yourself through this asana.

The name "child pose asana" is derived from the concept of a child in a resting position. In the Balasana yoga pose, relaxing and taking deep breaths provide comfort and peace, similar to what a child experiences while remaining in their mother's arms.

How to do Balasana Yoga?

Doing Balasana helps to calm your mind and promotes relaxation in your entire body. This asana is recognised as a resting pose during yoga sessions. Here are the Balasana steps to follow while performing:

Take a yoga mat and bend down to your knees and hands.
Spread your knees, ensuring to keep your big toes and the top of your feet on the floor.
Rest your stomach gently between your thighs. Gradually, lower the forehead to the ground and relax. Make your eyes, shoulders, and jawline release stress.
Stretch out your arms by placing the palms on the floor. Moreover, swing your arms towards the back and put your palms upward.
Breathe continuously and establish reconnection with deep breaths with your soul.
Stay in this position for a while and return to the starting posture. Now, you can slowly open your eyes.
Rub your hands and put them on your face and eyes for warmth.

What are the Health Benefits of Balasana?

Balasana provides several benefits catering to physical and mental health. Let’s look at how this pose contributes to the overall well-being of individuals:

Stress Relief and Relaxation

Bending forward in Balasana helps to calm the mind and relieve anxiety and stress. This pose is beneficial for deep breathing, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Moreover, this asana reduces stress hormones and promotes relaxation.

Aids in Digestion

Doing Balasana, your abdomen gets compressed, which further stimulates the digestive organs. It improves digestion and provides relief from bloating and discomfort.

Spine and Back Health

Doing Balasana, your spine stretches a bit and promotes flexibility. It also alleviates tension. It is particularly beneficial for individuals working for prolonged hours sitting or standing, as it affects their posture.

Better Sleep

Performing Balasana before going to bed calms the mind and prepares the body for a sound sleep. Moreover, this asana reduces tension and promotes a sense of tranquillity.

Lowers Menstrual Discomfort

For women facing menstrual cramps, doing Balasana provides relief from mild cramps by relaxing pelvic muscles.

Enhance Awareness of the Body

This posture enhances body awareness and promotes mindfulness, allowing practitioners to consider their emotions. This asana also establishes a deep connection with the body.

Precautions of the Balasana Pose

Make sure to be mindful of the following precautions during this yoga pose:

Do not practice the child’s pose if you have any injury or are suffering from knee pain.
If you are pregnant, consult a professional to perform the child’s pose.
Wear comfortable clothes while doing the Balasana pose to experience effortless stretching.
Perform Balasana on an empty stomach in the morning.

Final Words

Overall, Balasana is a peaceful and relaxing yoga pose that provides mental and physical benefits. It helps to release tension in the neck, back, and shoulders while keeping the mind calm and lowering anxiety.

Incorporating the Balasana pose regularly improves flexibility and promotes a better standard of living. It is easy to perform and safe for all individuals, making it an ideal choice for relaxation. Whether you want to relax your muscles or simply take a break from daily life, Balasana is an appropriate yoga pose.