Setu Bandhasana / Dwi Pada Pitham (Bridge Pose), Chatush Padasana (Four Footed Pose) — Overview — for Yoga Teachers, Yoga Therapists, Health & Wellness Coaches, Holistic Healthcare Providers
About this Asana Digest
Poses
Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose), and related poses such as Chatush Padasana (Four Footed Pose) and Dwi Pada Pitham (Two Legged Table / Half Bridge Pose)
Supported vs Restorative Version
Supported Bridge Pose is included here. Restorative Bridge Pose, however, is different (the back is on a lengthwise bolster, head spilling off) and is featured in the Restorative Asana Digest here.
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 – Backbending Poses.
Setu Bandhasana
SET–too BAHN–dah
SAY–tuh–bahn–DHAHS–ana
“setu” = bridge
“bandha” = lock
“setu bandha” = construction of a bridge (BKS Iyengar)
Bridge Pose
Also known as: Setu Bandha, Setu Bandha Sarvangasana and Dwi Pada Pitham
Dwi Pada Pitham
dwee–pa–da–PEET–ham
“dwi” = two
“pada” = foot
“pitham” = stool, seat, chair bench
Two Foot Pose
Also known as: Two Legged Table and Little Bridge Pose
Heart of the Pose
Backbend / Chest Opener
Joint Actions
- Hip extension
- Knee flexion
- Scapula adduction and depression
- See also: Joint Movements & ROM
Notes
- In some traditions, Dwi Pada Pitham is the Sanskrit name for Bridge Pose and in some refers to Bridge Flow, lifting hips on inhale and releasing to floor on exhale.
- Bridge Pose is a primary preparation pose for Salamba Sarvangasana. Some sources suggest waiting until student can hold Bridge Pose for quite some time to indicate proper strength before introducing Sarvangasana. Another readiness test for Sarvangasana is that cervical and thoracic spine are both lifted from floor in Bridge Pose.
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