sandeyeOther poses, which I do not indulge in: (child's pose)
January 11th 2008 21:59
One of the yoga poses that I often performed without knowing it to be yoga is the Child's pose. I used to do such a pose before I was aware of yoga, when suffering from an arthritic back that gave me extensive pain and much cramped discomfort. Taking up this pose used to temporarily ease the misalignment of my spine, and remove the tension and aching. The spine becomes gently stretched, releasing the pressure on the intervertebral discs and relaxing the spinal ligaments. When used as part of a yoga routine, the Child's pose is generally performed post Headstand (Sirshasana) in order to return the circulation to regularity, or post backward bending poses to stretch the spine in the opposite direction.
To perform the asana, kneel upon the ground, sitting upon your heels, which should be bent outwards slightly. Then, gradually lower your forehead to the floor in front of you, whilst bringing your arms along the side of your body, your hands positioned next to your feet with the palms facing upward. Breathe leisurely and relax.
During pregnancy, one can adapt the pose by spreading the knees apart slightly, allowing for the baby-filled belly to rest between the legs rather than pressed upon them. A further modification often used during pregnancy involves an even wider spread of the knees, with more of the chest resting upon the ground. This further-adapted posture is more often used when comfortable positions are difficult to find in which to partake of a relaxing rest, than as part of a yoga session.
Although I currently may use this pose on occasion, it is not during my routine. These days, I sometimes take up this pose on top of my bed when I have serious sinus problems, because I can bend my face to squish my nose - which somehow helps. At other times, I may just curl into this asana on the floor for a few moments in the midst of a long reading session. (I have been known to read/study/meditate for 2-6 hour sessions with otherwise only water/restroom breaks and taking a few moments in this position can refresh a tired head well.)
To perform the asana, kneel upon the ground, sitting upon your heels, which should be bent outwards slightly. Then, gradually lower your forehead to the floor in front of you, whilst bringing your arms along the side of your body, your hands positioned next to your feet with the palms facing upward. Breathe leisurely and relax.
During pregnancy, one can adapt the pose by spreading the knees apart slightly, allowing for the baby-filled belly to rest between the legs rather than pressed upon them. A further modification often used during pregnancy involves an even wider spread of the knees, with more of the chest resting upon the ground. This further-adapted posture is more often used when comfortable positions are difficult to find in which to partake of a relaxing rest, than as part of a yoga session.
Although I currently may use this pose on occasion, it is not during my routine. These days, I sometimes take up this pose on top of my bed when I have serious sinus problems, because I can bend my face to squish my nose - which somehow helps. At other times, I may just curl into this asana on the floor for a few moments in the midst of a long reading session. (I have been known to read/study/meditate for 2-6 hour sessions with otherwise only water/restroom breaks and taking a few moments in this position can refresh a tired head well.)
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