Adho Mukha Svanasana - Downward
Facing Dog Pose

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward facing dog 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 benefits, one should include it as a part of daily yoga practice.

6 Easy steps to do 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 yoga 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.

Preparatory 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 suffer 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 benefits 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@artoflivingyoga.org.