Pose of the Week: Baddha Konasana A, AKA Bound Angle Pose

A new week is ahead of us, yogis! Our newest pose is Baddha Konasana A, or Bound Angle Pose. You may also know it as Butterfly Pose. Baddha Konasana is said to be the greatest of all asanas.

Many yogis and yoga teachers will tell you if there is only one pose you can do in a day, make it Baddha Konasana (ideally with a little bit of warming up first!). It's highly beneficial for everyone as it opens the hips, creates space in the spine and wards off all diseases of the digestive system.

It's also one of the most recommended yoga poses for women who are pregnant and women who experience any discomfort during menstruation.

HOW TO:

Sitting down, place the soles of the feet together and let the knees open wide, drawing them down to the ground. Bring the heels as close to the body as possible, pressing the heels into the pelvic floor if you can. Use your hands to manually open your feet up like a book. On an inhale, lift the chest and create space in the spine. Keep that space as you exhale and fold over the legs. Place the forehead or chin on the ground in front of the feet if it's available. Gaze just past the tip of your nose (and not toward a camera... ;) ) and breathe here for at least five breaths.

Remember to slightly engage the pelvic floor and lift the lower belly up and into the body.

This pose can be very challenging, especially if you are feeling tight in the hips or back muscles. It's okay if the knees or head don't touch the ground. It's okay if the feet are far away from the pelvic floor. Keep practicing, keep breathing, and everything will change.

You can always ask questions or voice your comments or concerns about your yoga practice. I am here and happy to help. <3

Happy practicing!