Yoganidrasana (Yogic Sleep) & Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby) — Overview — for Yoga Teachers, Yoga Therapists, Health & Wellness Coaches, Holistic Healthcare Providers
About this Asana Digest
Poses
Yoganidrasana (Yogic Sleep), and related poses such as Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby)
Objective
Become knowledgeable about the pose and review detailed teaching considerations.
Description
Explain the Sanskrit naming; contraindications and cautions; associated benefits and typical effects; instructions and cues for setting up and practicing the pose; variations to meet particular intentions and needs; and more teaching considerations.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Asana Digests focus in on teaching specific poses. Please be aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Forward Bend & Hip Stretching.
Yoganidrasana
“nidra” = sleep
Yogic Sleep Pose
Ananda Balasana
“ananda” = happiness
“bala” = child
Happy Baby Pose
Also known as: Stirrup Pose, Dead Bug
Heart of the Poses
- Hip Stretch
- Forward Bend
Notes
- Yoganidrasana is Supta Kurmasana flipped over.
- Happy Baby is a beginner’s variation of Yoganidrasana.
- Happy Baby serves as a non-weight bearing alternative to Malasana (Garland Pose / Yogic Squat) for knee or other issues.
- Counterpose (from Bernie Clark): Windshield Wipers, for internal hip rotation. Lie on back with feet on floor as wide apart as the mat; drop knees from side to side.
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