Reclining Bound Angle Pose

What Does Reclining Bound Angle Pose Mean?

Reclining bound angle pose is a restorative asana that opens the hips and increases flexibility in the legs, particularly the muscles of the inner thighs and groin. It can be used as a substitute for corpse pose in a yoga practice.

From a seated position, the soles of the feet are brought together with the knees dropped to the sides, as in butterfly pose. The upper body then leans back into a reclining position, and the arms rest comfortably alongside the body with the palms facing up.

Reclining bound angle pose may also be referred to by its Sanskrit name, supta baddha konasana.

Yogapedia Explains Reclining Bound Angle Pose

Reclining bound angle pose and its variations are a common element in the practice of most schools of yoga. It is a particularly useful pose for those who sit at a desk all day because of the hip-opening benefits.

Some of the reported benefits of this pose include:

• Improved circulation and digestion
• Stimulation of the abdominal organs
• Flexibility in the inner thighs, hips and knees
• Reduction in stress and mental fatigue
• Relief from menopause and PMS

Beginners or those with limited flexibility should perform the pose with supports under the knees and/or elevate the feet with a cushion or folded blanket. They may also benefit from support under the upper back, neck and head.

Alternate hand/arm positions are stretched out in a "T" shape, relaxed overhead or resting on the thighs. Preparatory poses include bound angle (butterfly) pose, hero pose, tree pose and reclining hand-to-big-toe pose.

Pregnant women can practice this pose with the upper body elevated.