Eagle Star Medicine

The power of Downward Facing Dog

Every time I go to a yoga class, whether it is Vinyasa, Power Flow or Kundalini, I fall in love with Downward Facing Dog. Down Dog makes me feel SO good! I feel it in my bones, in my muscles and in my Soul. Have you had that same experience?

 

There are benefits to downward facing dog that you may not be aware of. Because of the weight we place on our upper body and arms down dog actually helps build bone density. It also helps bring energy back into our bodies. This pose releases tension in the upper body, especially upper back, neck and shoulder area. In so doing, it can eliminate stiffness and back pain. Down dog is considered an inversion because our head is below our heart. This position of the head and heart helps the circulatory system by encouraging blood flow throughout the body. When our circulatory system is working well and in balance it flushes toxins out of out body, it keeps our immune system working well, and it helps regulate blood pressure. But that is not all!

 

What I love about Down Dog moves beyond the physical. When I am in the pose, it is a time to check in. To check in with my experience, with how I feel in my body, and in my spirit. Down dog feels like coming home. In Kundalini yoga Downward facing dog is called Triangle Pose. Kundalini yoga places emphasis on the power of Triangle Pose to strengthen the nervous system and stretch the whole body as well as strengthen your Auric or electromagnetic field.

 

Holding Downward Facing Dog or Triangle Pose for at least 1-5 minutes a day would increase your energy and provide you with all of the above benefits. So why not? Give it a try and make sure to breathe DEEPLY! And next time you are in class, remember the Power of Downward Facing Dog!

 

How to get into the pose:

1. Start in a tabletop position on your hands and knees

2. Curl your toes under and lift your hips up and back

3. Hands are about shoulder width apart

4. Lengthen your spine, relax your neck, roll the armpits toward each other and engage your belly

5. Breathe!

 

Have questions? Contact me! I would love to connect.