Supported Child's Pose
Definition - What does Supported Child's Pose mean?
Supported child’s pose is a more gentle variation of child’s pose that enhances its existing restorative benefits.
To enter supported child's pose, bolsters are arranged on the mat in front of the yogi, perhaps propped up on blocks to allow enough height for the whole torso to be fully supported. The yogi kneels in front of the bolsters with their toes together, knees apart, then their body folds forward over the bolsters, turning the head to each side.
The Sanskrit name for supported child’s pose is salamba balasana.
Yogapedia explains Supported Child's Pose
Supported child’s pose is a more accessible variation of child’s pose because it requires less flexibility in the lower back and body to fold into. Supported child’s pose primarily lengthens the spine through a forward fold. Additional benefits of supported child’s pose include:
- Releases tension in the lower back
- Reduces muscular tension in the shoulders
- Stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Relieves menstrual cramp discomfort
To further modify this pose, additional cushioning can be placed under the knees or at the back of the knees to ease the pressure here. It can also be practiced on a higher stack of bolsters to make it more accessible.