Child’s pose is a resting, restorative posture that, at the same time, releases a tight lower back. It’s also a great counter stretch for any kind of back bending pose.

Steps

1. Sit on your heels with your feet together and your knees about hip width apart. Bend forward from the hips resting your torso over the thighs and place your forehead on the floor.
2. Rest your hands on the floor next to your hips with the palms facing up. Close your eyes and allow your breathing to become soft and slow. Soften the groin area. Get a sense of the lower back becoming broader and more open.
3. Relax in child’s pose for at least a minute. Stay as long as you like.

Comments

If your forehead doesn’t reach the floor comfortably you can use pillows, rolled up blankets, blocks or even a chair to support the torso and forehead at a more comfortable height. Practice balasana between more strenuous poses or any time your body craves deep rest. Because of the pressure of the ground against the third eye area between the eyebrows, balasana is also thought to stimulate intuition and a stronger connection to inner guidance.