Karen Watson Reeves has found another beautiful Arkansas
location to demonstrate Downward Facing Dog Pose.
By Karen Watson Reeves
Downward Facing Dog is one of the most commonly recognized yoga poses, one that even those who do not practice yoga are familiar with. Yet in the over two years that I have been writing this column, I am just getting around to speaking about it. I suppose it is like living in a national park and not visiting all the historic sites.
The pose is frequently used in the series of postures known as Sun Salutations. In that instance, it is used as a transition from one pose to another. However, when practiced as a pose worked into a sequence of longer held postures, there are too many benefits to list in the space allotted. So here are some highlights that should entice you to want to get into the pose and learn more about how it affects your body!
Downward Facing Dog is an inversion that is more accessible for those who are not ready for headstands and handstands. Inversions are important, as they bring more blood flow to the brain, release tension in the neck, and unload the spine which stays compacted through the day with standing and sitting. The circulatory system is boosted in inversions, so toxins from the body are flushed out, immune systems are stronger, and blood pressure is better regulated. Plus, it is just good to change one’s perspective, seeing things from upside down!
Postures like Down Dog are great for building upper body strength, as weight is placed on the wrists, arms, and shoulders. Stronger bones are a result, thus preventing, or helping to manage, osteoporosis. And as the upper body is being strengthened, the lower body is being stretched! Actually, the entire backside of the body is being stretched, including the hamstrings, calves, ankles, arches, as well as the spine, shoulders, wrists, and hands. Down Dog is a posture that does the double duty of strengthening and stretching.
Abdominals are strengthened and toned, as the practitioner holds the posture. The core region is actively engaged, and when these muscles are enhanced, so is better posture. Low back pain or injury is lessened as a result of a strong core.
Downward Facing Dog is an overall energizing pose, and it makes you quite body aware. As you engage through the core and draw up through the quads and reach up and back with the hips and down toward the earth with the heels, the mind has very little space to think or fret or worry. So, what are you waiting for . . . get DOWN, dog!
Karen Watson Reeves has called Hot Springs home since 2006. She became a registered yoga teacher and a registered children’s yoga teacher in 2011. She has taught children and family yoga in many settings and would welcome an opportunity to help your family stay physically active during this time of quarantine. She owns The Yoga Place, is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff, is an adjunct instructor at National Park College, as well as teaching in several other fabulous venues. www.TheYogaPlaceHS.com.
