Parsva Balasana: Thread the Needle Pose
Parsva balasana (PARS-va bah-LAHS-ah-nah) is a simple twist and gentle inversion that can warm up or calm down your body.
Sanskrit:
- Parsva = turned
- Bala = child
- Asana = pose
Physical Benefits:
- Twists the thoracic spine.
- Gently compresses the muscles of the upper chest.
- Stretches the upper and outer muscles of the shoulder.
Preparatory Poses:
- Childs pose | Balasana
- Table top |Bharmanasana
- Cat pose | Marjariasana
Sequential Poses:
- Puppy pose | Uttana shishosana
- Eagle pose | Garudasana
- Cow face pose | Gomukhasana
Counter Poses:
- Downward facing dog | Adho mukha svanasana
Adjustments/Modifications:
- Place a blanket underneath your knees for extra cushion.
- A similar stretch can be done in seated or standing by crossing one arm over your chest and hooking it with the opposite arm.
- Place your forearm (rather than your shoulder) on the ground.
Step-By-Step:
- Begin in a neutral tabletop position with your hands and knees on your mat.
- Exhale to reach your right arm under your left arm.
- Lower your right shoulder and ear to the ground.
- Keep equal weight in your knees, feet straight out behind you.
- Hold for 5-10 breaths. Release back to table top, then repeat on the other side.
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About the Author
Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana: Revolved Half Moon
ADJUSTMENTS | BENEFITS | SEQUENCING | SANSKRIT | STEPS
Parivrtta ardha chandrasana (PAHR-ee-VREE-tah ARD-uh chan-DRAHS-uh-nuh) requires balance, focus, strength, and flexibility. Maintaining the posture requires balancing energy in the legs and arms, the upper body and the lower. Revolved half moon pose evokes the cooling, rejuvenating qualities of the moon.
Philosophy + Origin
The state of the moon can influence an individual’s state of being. On full moon days, for example, you might feel headstrong and overly ambitious. New moon days can leave you feeling unmotivated. These extremes balance out as the moon makes its way from new to full. Revolved half moon pose asks practitioners to find balance by equally using the arms, legs, upper body, and lower body. When found, this physical equanimity brings mental balance, which can lead to discovering the “sweet spot” in all aspects of life.
