New Beginnings Yoga - Pose of the Month January

Downward Dog to Start the New Year

New Years Resolutions to Get Fit?   Recovering From Christmas Goodies?   Great Place to Start…Downward Dog.  Downward Dog, also referred to as Adho Mukha Svanasana meaning Adho – Downward, Mukha – Facing, Svana – Dog, and Asana – Pose.  So it literally means Downward Facing Dog Pose. It is a rather peculiar position to be in if you have never practiced yoga before.  Some find it very difficult, but once you get used to it and you start feeling the benefits, you will crave it. Of course, I say that about a lot of yoga poses and it is true.  Maybe not all, but most.   So if you are feeling a little intimidated or awkward, know that this too shall pass.

Benefits of Downward Dog

They are astounding.  Physical Benefits:

1.  Great warm-up pose and preparation for standing poses

2.  Relieves stiffness in legs and ankles and back

3.  Strengthens spine, legs, ankles, shoulders, arms and wrists

4.  Helps open up the shoulder blades relieving stress in the neck and back

5.  Helps open the chest

6.  Revitalizes energy and can conveniently be practiced anytime almost anywhere.

7.  Great for people with, sciatica, asthma and sinusitis (I speak from experience)

8.  Just being upside down helps flow blood to the brain…a good thing right?

Oh, but there are more benefits to Downward Dog

Mentally downward dog can help alleviate:

1.  Insomnia

2.  Stress

3.  Mild Depression

Tips For Downward Dog:

Check with your fingers and make sure they are straight and rooted into the mat.  People have a tendency to curl their fingers making it hard on their wrists.

Do not lock your arms.  Keep a slight bend in your arms and legs.  This prevents injury. You want to strengthen your muscles.  If you rely on your joints and locked limbs to hold the pose, or any pose, you will be in for a rude awakening down the road.  So use your muscle!

If you are new to this pose, try and go back and forth between childs pose and downward dog to help build up your strength.

And lastly, a word of caution: This pose should not be practiced if you are pregnant and in your third trimester, if you are in the middle of heavy menstruation, or if you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. (It is always best to consult your physician first)

Otherwise, happy downward dog!!!