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Requisite Position during Tachanun 

Tachanun is the section of prayer said after Shemonei Esrei. During the recitation of the chapter of Tehilim, we put our head down on our left forearm (unless wearing tefillin on the left hand; a left-handed person always on his left forearm), as opposed to lifting our hand up to our forehead. We should not lean on the palm of our hand, as doing so can chas vesholom pose a danger. Our head should be tilted, and we should cover our face with our sleeve or with a talis. One of the reasons for this is to create a separation between our face and the floor. Some suggest that we may rest our arm on a table, which can also serve as a separation. This part of Tachanun should be said davka while sitting, not standing. These days, when we do not fall to the floor on our faces, we are permitted to stand according to halachah. Nevertheless, according to Kabbalah, it should be recited sitting down, unless we cannot find a place to sit and have no choice; in that case, it is preferable that we lean on something, and not stand upright. 

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