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
- Rejuvenating, whole body stretch
- See Anatomy of Movement for more on spinal extension
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
To view this page and thousands more, we invite you to join Yoga Teacher Central, serving teachers since 2012.
You'll get instant access to a massive, organized library of practical and time-tested lessons, plans, and support for yoga teachers and trainers.
The entire site is member-supported and ad-free.