Knees-to-Chest Pose - Apanasana
Contents
Knees-to-Chest Pose or Apanasana (ah-PAH-NAH-sah-nah) is a relaxing supine asana often performed at the end of a yoga sequence. Apana is Sanskrit for “downward-moving life force” and asana means “pose”. As the name implies, this posture is thought to help move toxins downward, through and out of the body.
Prana gives life to the body through breathing and other techniques. Apana, in contrast, is the body’s force of elimination. It flows downward and out of the body, eliminating impurities through the lungs and excretory systems. Practicing Apanasana relieves the pressure of this force of elimination, helping the body to efficiently reduce and expel waste, toxins, and tension.
Pose Detail
- Difficulty: Beginners
- By Type: Hip Opening Yoga Poses, Restorative Yoga Poses, Strengthening Yoga Poses
- Body Position: Supine Yoga Poses
- By Benefit: Yoga Poses For Anxiety And Panic Attack, Yoga Poses For Digestion, Yoga Poses For Periods, Yoga Poses For Sleep, Yoga Poses For Stress Relief
Step-by-Step Instructions
Benefits and Contraindications
Relieves gas
Stretches the lower back
Stimulates digestion
Clams the mind
Hernia
Pregnancy after 1st trimester
Spine, hip or knee injury
Abdominal surgery
Photo poses in different angles
Modifications, Props and Tips
- To deepen the stretch, bring your nose to your knees when you’re in the full pose.
- If your stomach or chest is large, it might be difficult to clasp both hands around your legs. Instead, draw each knee slightly to the side of your body, toward each same-side armpit. Hold onto your shins with each hand, instead of clasping your legs directly over your chest.
- If it is still difficult to hold onto your shins, wrap a yoga strap around the soles of your feet with your knees bent. Hold onto the strap with both hands to help draw your knees in closer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Variations
- Half Wind Relieving pose
- Wind Relieving Pose With Rocking Knees
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