Balasana

What Does Balasana Mean?

Balasana is a yoga posture and comes from the Sanskrit words bala and asana, which translate as “child” and “pose.”

The practitioner begins by sitting back on the heels with the knees hip-width apart and the palms on the thighs. The torso is then lowered to the thighs while the arms stretch overhead and the forehead and palms rest on the floor. Finally, the arms are brought back to the sides, palms facing up. The practitioner should relax the shoulders and neck and breathe through the nostrils while holding the pose for one to two minutes or for as long as it is comfortable.

Balasana is referred to as child’s pose in English.

Yogapedia Explains Balasana

Balasana is so named as it refers to the basic fetal position and the subsequent child-like vulnerabilities that may be experienced as a result of the pose. Many even believe assuming this pose allows one to reconnect to primal memories of being in the womb.

While bowing one’s forehead to the floor can often indicate surrender or weakness in the West, it is a dignified act of humility in its original Indian context.

Balasana provides the following spiritual benefits:

• Encourages introspection and contemplation
• Practices mindfulness
• Stimulates the third eye chakra
• Aligns breath and organs with spiritual energies
• Displays honor, devotion and humility