August 10, 2022
Balasana - Child's Pose is a pose that helps one to relax, reduce stress and get relief from headaches.
There could be a number of reasons for a headache. It could be due to stress, strain on the eyes while looking at the screen for long hours, dehydration or a condition such as high blood pressure.
Balasana is one of the many resting poses that helps one to feel better instantly.
One of the main benefits of this pose is that it helps to give relief from headaches.
Many other benefits of this pose are –
Stretches and relaxes the neck muscles
Relaxes the back muscles and the muscles around the spine
Calms the brain
Relieves eye strain
Reduces stress
Calms the nerves – i.e. the body shifts from sympathetic nervous system to parasympathetic nervous system which is a relaxing state of the body.
Reduces migraine headaches
Balasana with Props - a bolster and a blanket
How to get into the pose -
Sit in Vajrasana with big toes touching.
Bend forward to lie on the bolster as shown in the picture.
Let your belly be supported on the bolster.
Your forehead will be on the blanket so the nose gets space to breathe.
Interlock your hands in front of the bolster if they reach otherwise gently hold the edges of the bolster.
Once you are comfortable in the posture, close your eyes.
What to do in the pose -
Bring your focus to the breath.
As you settle in the pose, bring your attention to the upper back.
Inhale in between your shoulder blades.
With each exhalation drop the weight of your head - into the blanket, the bolster, the floor.
Repeat it until you are in the pose.
Stay in the pose for 15 minutes.
Gently come out from the pose and open your eyes.
When one holds a resting pose for 15 minutes,
the nervous system makes a shift.
-B.K.S. Iyengar
Taking the time to rest makes a big difference in your nervous system.
The nervous system shifts from sympathetic to parasympathetic nervous system which is a calming state. This is a state where the nerves, mind and body are relaxed and restored.
Following are many Variations to Balasana and Forward Bends for all body types.
Find a pose that suits you!!
Great option for people who have limited flexibility to bend forward.
This pose also helps to release energy from the legs.
Good option for people who are feeling all tied up inside.
Another option for seated forward bends if one finds it hard to sit in Vajrasana.
Seated forward bend with head supported.
One of my favorites! This pose is very comfortable where the back is supported and the head rests on the blocks.
It is also a good option for women during the menstrual cycle when it is hard to go into full Balasana pose to avoid pressure on the abdominals.
So, you can rest in this pose to get relief from headaches.
For people who cannot sit on the floor due to knee or low back issues.
Sit on the chair and let your head be supported on the table.
Standing forward bend with head supported on a block.
These poses have proven to show a great relief from migraine headaches and from releasing stress.
I myself have been practicing 'Balasana with props' often to get relief from migraine headaches. Oftentimes, when I have a feeling that I might get a migraine, I simply put everything aside and get into Balasana - close my eyes and focus on exhalations.
Hope one of these poses helps you and gives you relief from headaches!
Namaste!