Traditional
Head to Knee Pose
Janu Sirsasana
Extend one leg, draw the other foot in, and fold over the straight leg.
- Benefits
- Builds strength, mobility, and breathing awareness with steady alignment. Particularly helpful for feeling steady and present.
- Props
- Strap or blanket optional.
- Hold Time
- 5 to 8 breaths
- Cautions and Contraindications
- Practice within a pain-free range. Reduce depth or use props for knee, low back, neck, wrist, or shoulder sensitivity.
- Entering Head to Knee Pose
- Sit with one leg extended and the other foot drawn into the inner thigh. Square the torso over the straight leg. Hinge forward and fold over the extended leg. Take a steady inhale to create length, then use the exhale to settle into the final shape.
- Exiting Head to Knee Pose
- Walk the hands back and lift upright. Extend both legs before changing sides. Pause in a neutral position for a moment before continuing.