Yoga tip for today: BENEFITS OF DOWNWARD DOG Physically, the benefits of downward dog are: 1) Strengthens the extensors of the hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders and thoracic spine, the internal thigh, lower belly and pelvic muscles, the quadriceps, shin muscles and the flexors of the hip and ankle . 2) Stretches of the flexors of the hands (if open handed), wrists and forearms, the elevators of the shoulders, the chest muscles, oblique abdominal muscles, hip extensors, hamstrings, back of calves and soles of the feet. 3) A slight stretching of the extensors and strengthening of the flexors of the lumbar and cervical spine, but overall a balancing and neutralizing effect on the muscles along these parts of the spine as they are only very, very slightly brought into flexion in the posture. 4) Prevents osteoporosis through weight bearing. 5) Opens the chest thereby improving the quality and efficiency of respiration. 6) The effects on the spine can relieve back and neck pain. 7) When introduced very slowly and regularly, can be helpful for high blood pressure and sinusitis due to its effect on the vessels of the head. Tomorrow, I will talk about the emotional and energetic aspects of this pose and then we will move on from downward dog!! Keep working on the sequence we are building so you are ready for a new pose on Thursday.
Posted on: Wed, 22 Jan 2014 00:37:21 +0000
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