(Photo courtesy of Flickr)
Of all the different things I've tried for my lower back, the child's pose (shown above) has been the most helpful. I think I first saw this pose in Esther Gokhale's book. Since then, I have found my toddler sleeping in this position numerous times.
The good thing about this pose is that it's not a stretch or movement. There is no time limit to how long you can stay in it. This morning I woke up with a stiff lower back, and then did the pose for about five minutes. I got up and felt great - my posture was better and my back felt fine.
I think this pose also puts the spine in alignment if you do it right. I've discussed this with a bodyworker, and they said this pose is almost like putting someone in traction. Whatever the case, it certainly is a very beneficial position for the body.
