Baddhakona Asana (The Restrained Angle Pose)

Baddhakona Asana (The Restrained Angle Pose) which is a sitting triangular pose forming a triangular base at the bottom of the body. Baddha means restricted in movement in Sanskrit. In this pose legs are restrained due to the lock which gives its name. Triangle is formed with the buttock and the two knees. This pose helps you to bring your awareness to the groin area thus benefiting the organs in that region.

This pose is a type of forward bend thus it helps you in being introvert and has a calming effect on the mind.

Steps to Practice Baddhakona Asana

1. Sit on the floor with both the feet joined together and hands clasping the feet. Try to bring the feet as much near to the body as possible. Try to keep the spine straight. Press the thighs with the elbows. This will increase the strength of the lower back.


2. After few seconds, with exhalation bend forward and try to create an arch with the back while the hands are still holding the feet. Make sure that feet are not moving away from the body. In the beginning you can do it with the back attached to a wall so that body can remain at one place.


3. Stay in this position for few seconds and then again with exhalation bend forward and make sure that the head touches the ground. If that is not possible then try to bring it as much near the ground as possible.


4. This is the final position. Now stay in this pose for 1 to 3 minutes with normal breathing.


5. With inhalation come to the position as in point two. Breath 3 times deeply and then come back to the initial position.

Note

• Beginners may put a big pillow and rest the head on that.


• To make rapid progress in this pose, this should be done with other forward bending poses like Janu Shirshasana, Paschimottan Asana or Upavishta Kona Asana. You can practice the above poses then come to this pose and then repeat the cycle. Practicing in this manner will help you to make good progress in these forward bending poses very quickly.

Make sure that you follow with a backward bend pose as there is lot of strain on the lower back and practicing the backward bend will ease the strain on the lower back.

The initial position mentioned in step one where forward bending is not involved this can also be done after meals. Those who cannot bend can only do the first pose. A simpler variation of this pose can be done before going to the bed. This will provide some of the benefits of Baddha Konasana. Lie down on the bed and join the feet with each other and bring them as much closer to the groin as possible. After practicing for few minutes you can straighten the legs and go to sleep.

Benefits of Baddhakona Asana

1. This pose effects the groin area, therefore there is a rush of blood in that region. This pose is used as a therapeutic pose for curing impotency and hydrocele and hernia.


2. As is the case in forward bends, this pose calms down the mind and senses. Therefore this pose also helps in gaining sexual control for those with excessive sexual desires. If you practice this pose for around 5 minutes or more the mind will calm down considerably it is good for thinking process.


3. This pose also has an excellent effect on infections of the urinary system for both men and women.


4. Women with menstrual problem will benefit with this pose.


5. If pregnant ladies practice for pose for few months into the pregnancy it helps in having very less labor pain.


6. Knees become more flexible and it helps in attaining the Padmasana (Lotus Pose) more easily.

Caution : If you are suffering from back or knee pain should avoid this pose.

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