Little in the Middle Jeans-Perma Crease-Dark Indigo
Winter 2007 > Health >
Seasonal Yoga Pose
Adho Mukha Svavasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose)
This invigorating pose relaxes the heart. The heart is said to be the
seat of our soul; the center of compassion where heaven and earth meet.
Down Dog draws energy up and out which in turn reduces fatigue. Inverted poses (such as Downward Facing Dog) activate upward movement encouraging the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the diaphragm, sinuses, and brain. This posture is great for someone whom tends to have a heavy and stagnant energy flow, and also it is good for runners as it helps to soften calcaneal spurs. Because the abdominal muscles are drawn towards the spine, this pose strengthens and tones the belly. It lengthens the entire posterior portion
of the body, shapes the legs and strengthens the arms.
Muscles strengthened: psoas minor, obliques, deep extensors, serratus
anterior, infraspinatus, teres minor, posterior deltoids, triceps, flexor
carpi radialis and ulnaris.
Muscles lengthened: diaphragm, intercostals, hamstrings, calves, gluteus
maximus, latissimus dorsi, teres major.
This pose stimulates the Sen Kalahari (a Sen Line, or energy line, based on
Ayurvedic philosophy, or Indian tradition). Stimulating this Sen Line may
help indigestion, knee pain, whooping cough, arthritis (especially in the
shoulders), rheumatic heart disease, cardiac arrhythmia, and various
mental disorders.
Be cautious with inversions if on your menstrual cycle. This pose is safe to practice for women with high blood pressure.
Namaste!
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