Knees to Chest Apanasana
Instructions
1.
Lie on the floor on your back.
2.
Bring your knees to your chest and clasp them with your hands.
Benefits
Ayurvedic
practitioners and yoga therapists often recommend this pose
for the following conditions:
- Releases tension
in the lower back. May be helpful for sciatic nerve pain.
- Stimulates peristalsis
which helps to relieve constipation.
- Author and yoga
therapist Mukunda Stiles notes in his book, Structural
Yoga Therapy, that holding this pose for 10 to 30 minutes
may relieve back spasms.
- Often recommended
for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
Personal Observations
I like to do this
pose with both knees first, followed by just the left knee
to the chest and then just the right knee. My left leg has
more tension than my right leg so I hold that pose a little
longer to try to get the muscles more balanced.
General Notes
A deceptively easy
pose that may have many therapeutic benefits, especially for
the back.
Additional Postures:
Disclaimer:
The yoga poses and alternative health treatments presented
in this web site are for general information and discussion
purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for proper
medical advice. Not all of the the yoga poses illustrated
in this site will be suitable for all individuals, especially
individuals with existing medical concerns. Consult your physician
before beginning any yoga or other new exercise program, especially
if you have any special conditions or health concerns such
as pregnancy, glaucoma, back or neck pain, high blood pressure,
heart disease, prior surgeries, etc. The Yoga Place and its
owners do not assume responsibility for injuries suffered
while practicing these techniques. Read the rest of our disclaimer
and terms of use.
| 
