The baddhakona (literally meaning closed angle; where the thighs are rolled out, knees are flexed, and the soles of the feet touch each other evenly)  legs are usually applied in two ways in asana – in a seated position, and in a supine position.  External and internal rotation of the thigh bone is crucial for maintaining hip mobility.  In addition, both baddhakonasana and  supta baddhakonasana have great therapeutic potential since they create ‘space’ in the lower abdominal pelvic area.  Think of all the organs that exist there, and the functions that they control (digestive, reproductive, urinary, hormonal centres) and the roles of these two asanas becomes obvious.  In the Iyengar tradition both these positions are used in a variety of ways, especially supta baddhakonasana is used used extensively for therapeutic, as well as for restful conditions. This is one of the essential positions that women should know for reproductive health.  Breath studies (progressing to pranayama) are often introduced in supta baddhakonasana.  There are many different ways to use supports/ props for supta baddhakonasana to accentuate its beneficial effects, or to adapt for knee/ back discomforts etc.

This Short Course is in two parts:

Part1: Hip Mobility through Thigh Rolling Out – Baddhakonasana Legs

Part 2: Introduction to Supta Baddhakonansana