Twists

Parsva Balasana

Thread the Needle Pose

Kneel with us in the gentle flow of our Parsva Balasana Uncovered. Like a calm leaf gently drifting along the waters of the urban stream, this side child's pose brings a soothing expansion and deep relaxation into your urban existence.

Category: Twists

Twists are asanas in which you gently stretch muscles and joints. They promote suppleness and mobility. Breathing in Twists has a relaxing effect: you supply your muscles with oxygen and release tension.

Life Energy

VAYUS

Each of the five Prana Vayus plays an essential role in our body and mind. They move and direct energy in specific directions, each with its own special area of influence and function. Thread the Needle Pose has its own unique effects on these vayus.

Prana Vayu – Expansion of Consciousness

▼

Parsva Balasana challenges the Prana Vayu, which is located in the chest region and the heart and responsible for the intake of nutrients, oxygen and life energy (prana). The posture requires a deep breathing, which expands the lungs and activates the Prana Vayu, which leads to more life energy. For example, if you feel drained or tired, this asana can help recharge your inner energy.

Samana Vayu – The Balancing Force

▼

This position also influences the Samana Vayu, which is located in the area of the navel and responsible for balance and integration. Through the side bend in Parsva Balasana, the abdominal area is massaged, which stimulates digestion and thus supports the Samana Vayu. So if you have problems with your digestion or feel emotionally unbalanced, Parsva Balasana can help you find your inner balance again.

Apana Vayu – The Earth-Connected One

▼

Finally, Parsva Balasana addresses the Apana Vayu, which is located in the lower part of the body and responsible for the elimination of waste products and physical purification. Through the extension of the legs and the engagement in the pelvic floor during the asana, the Apana Vayu is stimulated, which has a purifying effect. Thus this asana is especially beneficial when you feel you want to free yourself from old ballast.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VAYUS →

Energy Centers

CHAKRAS

Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra)

▼

Parsva Balasana activates the Manipura Chakra, located in the area of the solar plexus and standing for our self-confidence, our willpower and our inner strength. The gentle twist stimulates the abdominal musculature and stimulates the digestive organs, which leads to a strengthened feeling of inner power and stability.

Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra)

▼

Through the twist and opening of the chest area, the Anahata Chakra is addressed, the center of love, compassion and emotional connectedness. This pose helps release blockages in the heart area and foster the feeling of love and acceptance.

Vishuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra)

▼

Parsva Balasana has a gentle effect on the Vishuddha Chakra, which is responsible for communication and expression. The gentle twist fosters the loosening of the neck and throat musculature and can help release blockages in communication.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHAKRAS →

Body Sheaths

KOSHAS

Annamaya Kosha (Physical Body)

▼

Annamaya Kosha refers to our physical existence, our anatomical structure. Parsva Balasana can help release tension in this kosha by stretching the musculature of the back, the hips and shoulders. In everyday life, this asana can help with physical stress and tension after a long working day.

Pranamaya Kosha (Energy Body)

▼

In Pranamaya Kosha, the level of prana or life energy, Parsva Balasana improves the flow of energy. The activation of the side lines of the body can improve the flow of prana and release energy blockages. In everyday life, this can help you feel more energetic and vital.

Manomaya Kosha (Mental Body)

▼

On the level of Manomaya Kosha, the mental level, Parsva Balasana helps calm the carousel of thoughts. Through the concentration on the body and the breathing, inner restlessness and tension can be reduced. This can have a supporting effect, for example, in stressful phases or with sleep disorders.

Vijnanamaya Kosha (Intellectual Body)

▼

Parsva Balasana fosters the connection with Vijnanamaya Kosha, the intuitive and wisdom-oriented level. Through the intense body experience, deeper insights and a better understanding of one's own body can arise. In everyday life, this can lead to more body awareness and self-acceptance.

Anandamaya Kosha (Spiritual Body)

▼

Finally, Parsva Balasana influences Anandamaya Kosha, our spiritual level, by helping us dive deeper into our practice and experience inner stillness.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KOSHAS →

Body Constitution

DOSHAS

Vata

▼

The gentle twist and the calm nature of Parsva Balasana have a calming effect on the flighty Vata dosha. The connection to the floor and the conscious breathing foster a feeling of safety and grounding.

Pitta

▼

For the fiery Pitta dosha, Parsva Balasana offers a cooling and relaxing effect. The asana gently opens the chest area and helps release tension in the abdominal and liver area, which calms the inner fire of Pitta.

Kapha

▼

Parsva Balasana, also known as the twisting child's pose, helps balance the Kapha dosha by bringing gentle movement into the body and fostering the lymph flow. This asana supports the metabolism and releases stagnant energy, which is especially beneficial for Kapha, which tends toward sluggishness and heaviness.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DOSHAS →

Key Information for Correct Execution

Meet Geraldine, a certified yoga teacher and psychology student who emphasizes mindfulness and alignment to inspire people toward a more peaceful life.

1Begin on all fours in a neutral position, with the palms under the shoulders and the knees hip-width apart. The tops of the feet lie on the floor.

2Place your left palm a little closer to your face.

3Breathe in and extend the right arm upward. On the exhalation, lead the right arm through under your body and to the left.

4Relax your right shoulder and upper body toward the floor.

5Keep both knees and your left arm on the floor as support.

6Slide the right arm further onto the mat so that your right shoulder and the right side of your head rest on the mat.

7Use your left palm to twist yourself further into this posture.

8Close the eyes and relax into the pose.

9Hold this position for about 1 minute.

10To release the pose, actively push your hand into the floor and extend the right arm far upward with the inhalation.

11Place the right hand back on the floor for a neutral tabletop position and repeat the entire sequence on the other side.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake in this pose is not having the wrist of the supporting hand directly under the elbow. Make sure you align the wrist correctly to avoid unnecessary strain.

Our Tip

A tip for the thread-the-needle position is to release the tension from the shoulder area into the earth with each exhalation. This helps deepen the relaxation and letting go in the pose.

Physical Effect

Fascia Release

Parsva Balasana, also known as the twisting balancing posture, is an excellent exercise for mobilizing and stretching the spine and the surrounding fascia. The fascia, the connective-tissue network that envelops our entire body, can stick together and build up tension through chronic stress and physical strain. This asana helps release these adhesions, which can lead to an improvement in mobility and a reduction of pain.

Power Plant

Through the challenge of balance and body stability in Parsva Balasana, a variety of muscle groups, including the abdominal musculature, the back extensors and the gluteal musculature, are activated and strengthened. The result is a stronger, more resilient body that is less prone to injuries.

Organic Order

The twist in Parsva Balasana gently massages the internal organs and improves the circulation in the abdominal area. This can help foster digestion, eliminate toxins and support the function of organs such as the liver and the kidneys. This gentle massage can also help ease the feeling of bloating and discomfort.

Effects on Psyche and Emotions

Balance Artist

Parsva Balasana is an excellent asana for practicing balance. This has not only physical but also psychological effects. Holding the balance requires patience and a calm concentration, which leads to us feeling mentally grounded and stable.

Liberated Emotions

Through the twist in Parsva Balasana, our body can release emotional stress that is stored in our physical body. This asana can thus function as a kind of physical therapy to free us from emotional blockages.

Self-Confidence Booster

Parsva Balasana is an asana that requires some practice and skill. When we are able to perform this asana, this can considerably strengthen our self-confidence and our sense of self-efficacy.

Props

Yoga Mat

Check out our yoga mat guide

Yoga Strap

Have a look and find the perfect strap

Block

Find the block that suits you here

Bolster

Find the best bolsters here

Also interesting!

→The Meaning of OM →Best Yoga Props – The Overview →Travel Mats Tested →Yoga Towel – What Matters

Om Namah Shivaya

Have you seen our Sacred Divine collection yet?

BUY

Author of this Asana

Manish

Manish Rana is a certified yoga teacher and founder of asanaverse.de. He writes about topics around yoga, ayurveda and meditation. Manish owes his deep connection to yoga to his Indian roots, through which he came into contact with this practice early on.

Learn more about our team here →

DISCOVER MORE