Other Names
Downward-Facing Dog Posture, headstand pose, downward facing tree, Adho Mukh Sav Asan, Savasana, Shavasana
Description
This asana is one of the most widely recognized yoga poses, Downward-Facing Dog is an all-over, rejuvenating stretch. Downward-facing dog is an ancient posture depicted in Egyptian Art that is thousands of years old. It teaches us that how everything is connected; how our heels are linked to our shoulders, how fingers influence heart, how our elbow placement effects the spine.
How to reach the stretch
- Come to your hands and knees with the wrists underneath the shoulders and the knees underneath the hips.
- Curl the toes under and push back raising the hips and straightening the legs.
- Spread the fingers and ground down from the forearms into the fingertips.
- Outwardly rotate the upper arms broadening the collarbones.
How to release the stretch
Benefits
- Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression.
- Energizes the body.
- Stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches, and hands.
- Strengthens the arms and legs.
- Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause.
- Relieves menstrual discomfort when done with head supported.
Caution
- Not for the persons who have carpal tunnel syndrome or diarrhea.
- Pregnancy: Do not do this pose late-term.
- High blood pressure or headache: Support your head on a bolster or block, ears level between the arms.