Ananda Balasana, आनंद बालासन also known as Happy Baby Pose is considered to be a forward bend as well as a core exercise. Anand Balasana is termed as happy baby posture and it is quite a simple asana. In fact, this asana has got its name, since most babies take up this posture involuntarily, when they are lying on their backs.
How to do Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose)
- Lie flat on your back. Inhale and lift your legs up, bringing both your knees close to your chest.
- Hold your big toes. Make sure your arms are pulled through the insides of your knees as you hold your toes. Gently open up your hips and widen your legs to deepen the stretch.
- Tuck your chin into your chest and make sure your head is on the floor.
- Press the tailbone and the sacrum down to the floor while you press your heels up, pulling back with your arms.
- Press both the back of the neck and the shoulders down to the floor. The whole area of the back and the spine should be pressed flat on the floor.
- Breathe normally and hold the pose for about 30 seconds to a minute.
- Exhale and release your arms and legs. Lie on the floor for a few seconds.
How To Do Salabhasana (locust pose) and Shalabhasana benefits
Health Benefits of Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose, आनंद बालासन)
- Releases lower back and sacrum ()
- Opens hips, inner thighs, and groin
- Stretches the hamstrings
- Relieves lower back pain
- Stretches and soothes the spine
- Calms the brain
- Helps relieve stress and fatigue
Precautions for Ananda Balasan (Happy Baby Pose)
- Avoid this pose during pregnancy and if you have a knee injury.
- If you have a neck injury, you should make use of a thickly folded blanket to provide support to the head.
- When performing this pose is to make sure that the spine is straight.
- Avoid practicing this posture if you have high blood pressure.
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