Child's Pose

Knees wide, hips back to heels, forehead down. Let the back breathe.

10 breathsVataPitta

How to do it

Kneel with the knees wide and the big toes touching, then sit the hips back toward the heels and lay the forehead down. Let the arms rest forward or alongside the body, whichever lets the shoulders drop. Breathe into the back of the ribs and stay for ten slow breaths.

SeatedSeated, fold forward over the thighs with arms hanging loose.

What it does

The reset button. Somewhere to go when a session becomes too much.

When you'll be given it

Between harder shapes, and any time you choose it mid-session.

Where it comes from

Modern practice — no classical source. We'd rather say so than invent a citation.

Take care

Put a cushion between the hips and heels or under the forehead if either is a stretch. Not comfortable late in pregnancy.

Not sure whether it suits you? Ask a Vaidya.

There's no button here to start this. Your practice is prescribed each morning — that's what keeps the dose honest.