A counter Pose for Thunderbolt Pose, Downward Facing Dog Pose is one of the best poses for digestion.
‘Adho’ means ‘downward’,
‘mukha’ means ‘face’,
‘svana’ means ‘dog’
and ‘asana’ means ‘posture’.
The general reason that is said to be behind the name of the pose is that it resembles a dog.
Well, initially I was wondering what the connection would be between a dog and the pose. There was no explanation to be found. However, I believed there should be a reason behind the link between dog and the pose and also strongly believed it could be related to stomach. Hence, I called a very experienced retired veterinary doctor who gave an explanation that shed light on the reason behind the name. Dogs, when they are happy, stretch their forelegs and bury their heads between them. They perform the act even when they have stomach issues. They experience relief on standing this way.
Downward Dog Pose completes the benefits of Thunderbolt Pose which is effective in treating stomach related disorders. While the front part of the legs is stretched in Thunderbolt Pose, the back part of the legs are stretched in Downward Facing Dog Pose. Sciatic nerve is strengthened and leg muscles get stronger.
Visit this page for benefits of Thunderbolt Pose.
Other Benefits of Downward Facing Dog Pose
- Downward Facing Dog Pose strengthens respiratory function and relieves respiratory conditions.
- It helps to regulate high blood pressure.
- The pose strengthens digestion.
- Downward Facing Dog helps in curing chronic headache.
- The pose strengthens shoulders, hands and legs.
- It is an effective yoga pose for immunity.
- It cures menopause related issues.
- The pose relieves fatigue.
- It is an effective yoga pose for stress relief.
- Regular practice of the pose calms the mind.
Instructions
Let us see how to do Downward Facing Dog Posee.
- Go on fours. Your wrists should be aligned to your shoulders and your knees aligned to your hips.
- With the palms pressed firmly on the floor, exhale as you lift your knees off the floor. Raise your hips as high as possible and place your feet on the floor. Now your body will resemble the shape of an inverted ‘v’.
- Tuck in your head to look at your navel.
- Hold the pose for 30 seconds. As you advance in practice, increase the duration to one minute.
Note
In case of difficulty in placing the feet down, you can perform with raised heels.
Those with pain in wrists should refrain from practicing the pose. Those with high blood pressure, should not leave the head hanging; instead they can place their head on an object. Avoid performing the pose while experiencing severe headache.
Yoga Pose for Day 14 – Child Pose (Balasana)
The term ‘bala’ in Sanskrit means ‘baby’. The pose gets its name owing to the resemblance of the face-down lying position of a child. Why do babies lie face down?
Yoga Pose for Day 13 – Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Cobra Pose can be performed as a counter pose for Downward Facing Dog Pose. Cobra Pose is called as Bhujangasana in Sanskrit. ‘Bhujanga’ in Sanskrit means ‘snake’.
Yoga Pose for Day 11 – Thunderbolt Pose (Vajrasana)
Thunderbolt Pose is yet another seated yoga pose that offers amazing benefits and ranks along with Lotus Pose as one of the best meditation poses. ‘Vajra’ means ‘diamond ‘ and since the pose makes the body as strong as diamond
