Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) — Overview — for Yoga Teachers, Yoga Therapists, Health & Wellness Coaches, Holistic Healthcare Providers
About this Asana Digest
Poses
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog), and related poses such as Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana (One-Legged Downward Facing Dog), Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana + Open Hip, Anahatasana (Melting Heart) and Uttana Shishosana (Extended Puppy)
Objective
Become knowledgeable about the pose and review detailed teaching considerations.
Description
Explain the Sanskrit naming; contraindications and cautions; associated benefits and typical effects; instructions and cues for setting up and practicing the pose; variations to meet particular intentions and needs; and more teaching considerations.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Asana Digests focus in on teaching specific poses. Please be aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Standing Poses.
Adho Mukha Svanasana
AH-do MOO-kuh shvah-NAWS-ana
“adho” = down
“mukha” = face
“svan” = dog
“eka” = one
“pada” = foot or leg
Downward Facing Dog Pose
One-Legged Downward Facing Dog Pose
Anahatasana
Melting Heart Pose
Uttana Shishosana
Extended Puppy Pose
Heart of the Poses
- Spinal Extension
- Mild Inversion
Notes
- Rejuvenating, whole body stretch
- See Anatomy of Movement for more on spinal extension
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