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Adho Mukha Svanasana - Downward Facing Dog Pose

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward facing dog pose)

Adho Mukha Svanasana Asana (Downward Facing Dog ) Yoga Pose

Adho – Forward; Mukha – Face; Svana - Dog

The asana is pronounced as A-doh MOO-kah shvah-NAS-anna
Adho mukha svanasana posture replicates a dog bending forward, hence the name downward facing dog pose.

This asana can be practiced by any beginner too and with all its bene ts, one should include it as a part of daily yoga practice.

6 Easy steps to do perfect Downward Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
1. Come onto your fours. Form a table such that your back forms the table top and your hands and feet form the legs of the table.
2. As you breath out lift the hips up, straightening the knees and elbows, form an inverted V-shape with the body. 
3. Hands are shoulder width apart, feet are hip width apart and parallel to each other. Toes point straight ahead.
4. Press your hands into the ground. Widen through the shoulder blades. Keep the neck lengthened by touching the ears to the inner
arms. 
5. Hold the downward dog pose and take long deep breaths. Look towards the navel.
6. Exhale. Bend the knees, return to table pose. Relax.

Tips for Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog Pose) Beginners

• Warm up your calves and arms properly before you do this asana.
• Do Dhanurasana and Dhandasana before Adho Mukha Svanasana.
• This Asana can also be performed as part of Surya Namaskar.
How to do a perfect Adho Mukha Svanasana/ Downward Dog Pose in Hindi - Video

Yoga Adho Mukha Svanasana

Preparatory
Online
S H AR ES
Asanas before Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog Pose)
 • Dhanurasana
• Dhandasana
Follow up Asanas after the Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog Pose)
• Ardha Pincha Mayurasana
• Chaturanga Dhandasana
• Urdva mukha svanasana
6 ways- How Practising Downward Dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana) helps body
• This pose leaves you energized and rejuvenates the body
• It lengthens the spine, strengthens the muscles of the chest increasing lung capacity.
• It brings strength throughout the body especially the arms, shoulders, legs, feet.
• Helps to tone muscles
• It increases circulation to the brain
• Calms the mind and helps relive headache, insomnia and fatigue.
Contraindications of the Downward Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Avoid doing this asana if you su er from high blood pressure, Carpel tunnel syndrome, detached eye retina, weak eye capillaries,
dislocated shoulder / shoulder injury or diarrhea.

See other Yoga Poses

Yoga practice helps develop the body and mind bringing a lot of health bene ts yet is not a substitute for medicine. It is important to learn and
practice yoga postures under the supervision of a trained Sri Sri Yoga teacher. In case of any medical condition, practice yoga postures after
consulting a doctor and a Sri Sri Yoga teacher. Find a Sri Sri Yoga course at an Art of Living Center near you. Do you need information on courses
or share feedback? Write to us at info@srisriyoga.in.
 

Founded in 1981 by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,The Art of Living is an educational and humanitarian movement
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