Balasana Child's Pose, or Child's Resting Pose, is an asana

Asana

Asana is a body position, typically associated with the practice of Yoga, originally identified as a mastery of sitting still, with the spine as a conduit of biodynamic union...

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Etymology

The name comes from the Sanskrit words bala meaning "child" and asana (आसन) meaning "posture" or "seat".

Description

In this pose, the body faces the floor in a fetal position

Fetal position

Fetal position is a medical term used to describe the positioning of the body of a prenatal fetus as it develops...

. The knees and hips are bent with the shins on the floor. The chest can rest either on the knees or the knees can be spread to about the width of a yoga mat, allowing the chest to go between the knees. The head is stretched forward towards the ground - the forehead may touch the ground. The arms may be stretched forward in front of the head or backwards towards the feet.

Benefits

Balasana is a simple relaxation

Relaxation technique

A relaxation technique is any method, process, procedure, or activity that helps a person to relax; to attain a state of increased calmness; or otherwise reduce levels of anxiety, stress or anger...

 position in yoga. The pose can become active through breath. Many yoga instructors recommend using this pose if a rest is needed and allow students to substitute this pose for Downward Dog during a sun salutation

Surya Namaskara

Surya Namaskara , known in English as Sun Salutation , is a common sequence of Hatha yoga asanas. Its origins lie in a worship of Surya, the Hindu solar deity...

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Follow-up poses

Balasana is a counter pose for various poses and is usually practiced before and after Sirsasana/Headstand

Sirsasana

Sirsasana, Shirshasana, Sirshasana , or Headstand, is an asana.In the Supported Headstand , the body is completely inverted, and held upright supported by the forearms, while the crown of the head rests lightly on the floor.Sirsasana is nicknamed "king" of all the yoga poses.-Etymology:The name...

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External links

• My Yoga Online Video and Step by Step Instruction
• Illusion Factory Video and instructions of modified Child Pose at pregnancy
• yogajournal.com Yoga Journal Photo and instructions
• about.com About Yoga Photo and instructions