GENERAL INFO
Difficulty level: Easy - Beginner
Downward-Facing Dog Pose, or in Sanskrit referred to as Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Adho = downward, Mukha = face, Svana = dog), is an inversion posture. Yoga inversion is a classification of yoga asanas (postures). This category includes all poses where your head is placed below your heart and hips. Therefore, you "invert" your body from its usual upright position, so in these asanas your heart has always a larger distance from the ground than your head. Typically, any modern yoga program includes the Downward-Facing Dog and it is usually part of a flowing sequence of asanas, Scroll down to find its positive effects on your mind, body and energy flow and an instruction video on how to properly execute the pose. Feel free to leave us a comment (feedback, questions...)
in the comments section.
Effect on Body & Mind
Blood flow Booster
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Gives strengths to wrists, palms & fingers
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Strengthens upper body muscles like shoulders, upper back and arms.
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Stretches your hamstring, ankles and calf muscles
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Improving posture: Stretches the spine and can support you standing & walking upright
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Enhances blood circulation
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Similar to the handstand, the pose allows more blood to flow to the brain, which has an uplifting but also calming effect. Additionally, it affects the adrenal gland, reducing the production of the stress hormone cortisol → Relieving tension & stress
Energetical Effect
How does it affect our energy centres?
This pose is claimed to bring several of our energy centres in alignment (Heart Chakra, Root Chakra, Throat Chakra). However, it especially targets our throat chakra, balancing its energy flow, relieving stress and calming the mind. A balanced throat chakra lets you communicate and express yourself more clearly and honestly. Therefore, you will feel free, balanced, connected to one another and be more creative.
EXECUTION
Step by step guidance on how to perform the Downward-Facing Dog properly. Take your time, breath consciously and slowly and bring the pose to perfection. Full credit for the instruction video goes to the publishers on YouTube. Feel free to check out their content and to support them by subscribing to their channel. Be Infinite.