picture from Omwork from Vanessa Verlee
Balasana is child's pose, which according to the ABC of Yoga:
is a relaxation pose which is used to normalize the circulation after the head stand and to give a counter stretch to the spine after the backward bends. It is a resting pose that can be done to precede or follow any pose. Performing the Child Pose stretches the hips, thighs and ankles gently. It also helps relieve stress and fatigue, and calms the brain.For me (at the very beginning - albeit a second beginning of my yoga practice) it is simply what I do when I am knackered. This pose signals to the yoga teacher that you are done, drained, and all round inconvenienced. This pose says, 'leave me alone to die please'. I use it a lot.
Incidentally the experts caution against using this pose if you have diarrhea.
People with diarrhea do yoga!?!?! I have so much to learn.
