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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