Baddha Konasana Bound Angle Pose, or Cobbler Pose (after the typical sitting position of Indian cobblers when they work), is an asana

Asana

Asana is a body position, typically associated with the practice of Yoga, originally identified as a mastery of sitting still, with the spine as a conduit of biodynamic union...

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Etymology

The name comes from the Sanskrit words baddha (बद्ध, baddha) meaning "bound", kona (कोण, koṇa) meaning "angle" or "split", and Asana (आसन, Āsana) meaning "posture" or "seat".

Description

From sitting position with both the legs outstretched forward, hands by the sides, palms resting on the ground, fingers together pointing forward, the legs are hinged at the knees so the soles of the feet meet. The legs are grasped at the ankles and folded more until the heels reach the perineum. The knees remain on the ground, the body erect and the gaze in front. The pose is held before coming back to the starting position. The thighs are stretched with care.

Benefits

It is a strong groin- and hip-opener and one of the few asanas that can be practiced comfortably soon after eating. Regular practise of this posture may be beneficial for the lumbar region, flat feet, high blood pressure, infertility and asthma.

Variations

Supta Baddha Koṇāsana, Cobbler's Pose in Lying Position, supta (सुप्त) meaning "supine" or "reclining".

External links

• Technique