During a yoga class, the teacher will often advise the students to rest in child’s pose when needed. This 
pose is usually offered as an alternative to another more challenging pose or as an option for students seeking a gentle practice. When students are new to a class, they are also often told that if there is any pose that they are uncomfortable with they should sit back in child’s pose. Yet for many students, this pose can be extremely challenging.
Child’s pose has many benefits: it rounds and stretches the entire back; it stimulates the third eye chakra; it is a good counter pose to a back bend; and for some, it can be very restful. Yet for many students, child’s pose is very difficult. For students with knee pain, scoliosis, foot pain, tight quadriceps or certain autoimmune diseases, child’s pose can feel like torture. Even for the most practiced and advanced students, staying in child’s pose for a long period of time can irritate the tops of the feet and constrict circulation in the legs.
Offering modifications for students can be helpful. Some options include a bolster or block placed between the ankles for the student to sit back on and then another block or bolster under the forehead, or a bolster under the torso can help create the support needed to really be able to relax and release into the pose. For sore feet, placing a blanket under the tops of the feet can help create cushions for the bones. For those students that get foot cramps, simply curling under the toes while in child’s pose can help with cramping. For sore knees, a blanket under the sknees or doubling up the yoga mat can create cushioning.
For these students, child’s pose will become more available over time with a consistent yoga practice. Their flexibility will increase, making all poses, including child’s pose, more comfortable. Yoga, in general, will help all students with their overall range of motion, circulation, flexibility and mood.
Source: Devon Girodano, is a certified yoga instructor, RYT 200 and host of an online yoga class. To gain access to her on line class e-mail [email protected] or reach her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DevonGiordanoYoga/
