Asana Digest Overview

Poses

Dandasana (Staff / Stick), and related poses such as Padangustha Dandasana (Staff Hand To Big Toe) and Urdhva Hasta Dandasana (Staff Pose Raised Open Hands)

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

The focus of Asana Digests is teaching specific poses. This support presumes you’re aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Forward Bend & Hip Stretching

Poses Overview

Dandasana

don-DAHS-anna
“danda” = staff or stick
Staff Pose
Also known as: Stick Pose

Heart of Pose

• Stabilizing
• Neutralizing
• Forward Bend

Notes

• Sometimes considered a seated version of (or comparable to) Tadasana (Mountain Pose).
• Often used to neutralize and/or assess change during and after other seated poses.
• Lengthening hamstrings beforehand makes it easier to sit upright in this pose.

Much More in this Digest

Asana Digests are precisely organized so that you can quickly get what you need. Please select from the menu above and be sure to review any contraindications and cautions.

Related Support

• Asana Categories
• General Alignment Principles
• Alignment Cueing