An Asana ideal to reduce stress…know about Shashankasana

Shashankasana, also known as Child's Pose, is a restorative and grounding yoga asana. Here are the details on how to practice it:

Steps:

1. Starting Position: Begin on your hands and knees in a tabletop position, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.
2. Kneeling Down: On an exhale, slowly lower your hips back toward your heels. Keep your arms extended in front of you.
3. Forward Bend: Extend your arms forward on the floor and lower your chest towards the ground. Your forehead should rest on the mat, and your chest should be close to or touching your thighs.
4. Arm Position: You can keep your arms extended in front of you or bring them alongside your body with your palms facing up, placing them next to your feet.
5. Breathing: Breathe deeply and relax in this position. Focus on releasing tension from the back, neck, and shoulders.
6. Duration: Hold the pose for as long as comfortable, breathing deeply and allowing your body to surrender to the stretch.

Variations:

1. Wide-Knee Child's Pose: Open your knees wider than hip-width apart to create space for your torso between your thighs.
2. Extended Child's Pose: Instead of keeping your arms extended forward, walk your hands to one side, stretching one side of your body, and then to the other side.

Benefits:

1. Relaxation and Stress Relief: Shashankasana is an excellent pose for relaxation and stress relief. It allows you to turn inward and focus on your breath.
2. Stretches the Back: The position gently stretches the muscles of the back, promoting flexibility and relieving tension.
3. Improves Digestion: The forward bend compresses the abdomen, potentially aiding digestion.
4. Restores Energy: It is a restorative pose that can help restore energy and calm the mind.
5. Hip Flexor Stretch: Child's Pose provides a gentle stretch to the hips and ankles.

Precautions:

1. Knee or Ankle Injuries: If you have knee or ankle injuries, you may need to modify the pose or use props for support.
2. Pregnancy: Pregnant women can practice Child's Pose, but they may need to open their knees wider to accommodate the belly.
3. High Blood Pressure: If you have high blood pressure, you may want to avoid putting too much pressure on the forehead. Instead, rest your head on a prop, like a folded blanket.

Child's Pose is often used as a resting position during yoga practice, and it is suitable for practitioners of all levels. Always listen to your body and modify the pose as needed for your comfort and safety.