Yoga Pose of the Month Janu Sirsasana

Janu Sirsasana, or Head-to-Knee Forward Bend, has a lot more going on than meets the eye. The basic pose is one most of us have performed many times. It can be such a simple pose that practitioners begin to perform it by wrought, it’s a forward fold with one knee bent at a right angle, the soul of the foot of the bent leg pressing in to the thigh of the straight leg.

When performed with a soft, energetic approach, the posture takes on a much deeper aspect. Here is a video of Janu Sirsasana done by one of my favorite Ashtanga teachers, Mark Darby:

Janu Sirsasana provides a mild spinal twist that stretches the hamstrings, groins, and spine. Like many forward folds, it is a calming pose that can relieve anxiety.

“It is also known to be therapeutic for high blood pressure and insomnia. This pose stimulates and massages the liver and kidneys, helping to improve digestion and relieve digestive troubles. It can also provide relief from menstrual discomfort and the symptoms of menopause.” (yoga.isport.com)