DOWNWARD
FACING
DOG
ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA
Benefits:
- Strengthens arms, legs, core muscles
- Stretches back, glutes, hamstrings, shoulders
- Relieves stress and mild depression
- Relieves headache, back pain, and fatigue
- Stimulates circulation in the upper spine
|
|
Contraindications:
- Wrist injuries
- High blood pressure |
Tips:
- Spread the fingers wide apart
- Lift the hips back and up toward the ceiling
- Press the inner thighs back
- Release the heels toward the ground
- Keep the shoulders buoyant, arms engaged
- Melt the heart toward the thighs |
|
Variations:
- Forearms resting on the ground (Dolphin)
- One leg raised in the air behind the body
- Bend one knee at a time, walking the dog
- Hands on the wall or a chair, hips over heels |
|
|
Yoga Pose Archive
