Adho Mukha means having the face downwards.
Svana means a dog. The pose resembles a dog
stretching itself with head and forelegs down
and the hind legs up, hence the name.
Health Benefits of Downward Facing Dog Pose:
1.Inverted poses are crucial
because they reverse the action of gravity on
the body and get the blood and lymph flowing in
opposite directions.
2.On an emotional level downward facing dog help turn everything on its head and helps us see things from a different angle.
3.It helps boost self-confidence.
4.Because of the increased blood flow to the top of the body, shoulder stand can help improve brain function and cognition and reduce anxiety and depression.
5.Takes the pressure off the heart, which has to work less to get the blood flowing to the brain.
6.Strengthens and tones the arms and legs
7.Because of the weight-bearing nature of the posture of the arms and legs it helps strengthen the bones and prevent osteoporosis.
8.Lengthens and straightens the spine, helping to relieve pain in the upper, middle and lower back.
10.The body gets a 360-degree stretch in just one pose.
EFFECTS:
When one is exhausted, a longer stay in this pose removes fatigue and brings back the lost energy. The pose is particularly helpful for runners who get tired after a hard race. Sprinters will develop speed and lightness in the legs. The pose relieves pain and stiffness in the heels and helps to soften calcaneal spurs. It strengthens the
ankles and makes the legs shapely. The practice of this AASANA helps to eradicate stiffness in the region of the shoulder- blades, and arthritis of the shoulder joints is relieved. The abdominal muscles are drawn towards the spine and strengthened. As the diaphragm is lifted to the chest cavity, the rate of the heartbeat is slowed down. This is an exhilarating pose. Those who are afraid to do sirs asana can conveniently practise this position. As the trunk is lowered in this ASANA, it is fully stretched, and healthy blood is brought to this region without any strain on the heart. It rejuvenates the brain cells and invigorates the mind by
relieving fatigue.A person suffering from high blood pressure can do this pose.