Restorative Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800248

Supported Child's Pose Balasana (bolster)

Child's pose over a bolster so the torso is fully carried. Suitable for very long holds and for pregnancy with the knees wide.

Practice Supported Child's Pose (Balasana (bolster)) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
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Supported Child's Pose (Balasana (bolster)) — Restorative Yoga Posture Illustration

Supported Child's Pose (Balasana (bolster)) — Restorative posture targeting Lower Back, Hip Flexors · Slow and quiet breath · Eyes closed drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Neutral (0)
Sanskrit Name
Balasana (bolster)
Posture Family
Restorative
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
420 seconds
Breath Pattern
Slow and quiet
Drishti (Gaze)
Eyes closed
Target Muscles
Lower Back, Hip Flexors
Energy Expenditure
1.2 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Supported Child's Pose

Supported Child's Pose (Balasana (bolster)) belongs to the Restorative posture family and engages the Lower Back, Hip Flexors at an intensity of approximately 1.2 METs. Child's pose over a bolster so the torso is fully carried. Suitable for very long holds and for pregnancy with the knees wide.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Slow and quiet throughout the 420-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Eyes closed to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Lower Back, Hip Flexors.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 3 years (24 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 420 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Neutral (0) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Knee injury

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