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Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) – Overview

Asana Digest Overview

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

The focus of Asana Digests is teaching specific poses. This support presumes you’re aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Standing Poses.

Poses Overview

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 Pose

  • Spinal Extension
  • Mild Inversion

Notes

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.

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