Poses
Head-to-Knee Pose
Janu Sirsasana
Forward fold · beginner
Glossary: Janu Sirsasana
How to
- Begin seated on the floor with legs extended straight in front of you, sitting on a folded blanket if needed for comfort.
- Bend your right knee and draw the right sole to the inner left thigh, allowing the right knee to relax toward the floor.
- Inhale and lengthen through the spine, sitting tall and grounding both sitting bones evenly.
- As you exhale, hinge at the hips to fold forward over the extended left leg, keeping the spine long and the heart reaching toward the toes.
- Place your hands on either side of the left leg, on the floor or on the shin, wherever they comfortably reach.
- Relax your shoulders away from your ears, and keep your gaze soft, directed toward your left foot.
- Breathe deeply, maintaining length in the spine on each inhale and softening into the stretch on each exhale.
- To exit, inhale to lift the torso back up to a seated position, then extend the right leg and repeat on the other side.
Benefits
- Stretches the hamstrings and calves of the extended leg, enhancing flexibility.
- Gently stimulates the liver and kidneys, supporting detoxification and metabolic processes.
- Calms the mind and helps reduce stress, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.
- Relieves mild back pain by stretching the spine and relieving tension.
- Encourages digestion and can help relieve symptoms of bloating or discomfort in the abdomen.