Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana

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Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana

Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana (Sanskrit: ऊर्ध्वमुखश्वानासन IAST: Urdhva mukha śvānāsana) or Upward Facing Dog Pose is a back-bending asana in modern yoga as exercise.[1][2] It is commonly part of the widely-performed Surya Namaskar (Salute to the Sun) sequence,[3] though the similar Bhujangasana (cobra pose) may be used there instead.[4]

Etymology and origins[]

The name of the pose is from the Sanskrit ऊर्ध्व Urdhva, "upwards"; मुख Mukha, "face"; and श्वान Shvana, "dog".[5] The pose is one of those (along with Downward Dog) introduced by Krishnamacharya in the mid-20th century from Surya Namaskar, not then considered to be yoga, and later taught by his pupils Pattabhi Jois and B. K. S. Iyengar.[6][7]

Description[]

The pose is entered with an inhalation from a prone position (or from a pose such as Chaturanga Dandasana or Ashtanga Namaskara in a Surya Namaskar cycle), taking the feet a little apart. The legs are stretched out straight, the toes out (not tucked under), and the weight of the body is supported on the hands with outstretched arms so the hips are off the ground. The gaze is directed straight upwards, so the neck and back are arched.[5]

Variations[]

Bhujangasana, Cobra Pose, and its variations such as Yin Yoga's Sphinx Pose, are somewhat similar reclining backbends which may be used if a less strenuous asana is required, for example in the Surya Namaskar cycle.[8]

References[]

  1. ^ "Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana". AshtangaYoga.info. Retrieved 2011-04-11.
  2. ^ "Upward-Facing Dog | Yoga Poses". Yoga Journal. Retrieved 2013-08-02.
  3. ^ Russo, Tiffany (11 January 2016). "Back to Basics: Upward-Facing Dog Breakdown". Yoga Journal. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  4. ^ "Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) Steps and Benefits Video". 20 September 2017. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  5. ^ a b Mehta 1990, p. 91.
  6. ^ Singleton 2010, pp. 204–205.
  7. ^ Singleton, Mark (4 February 2011). "The Ancient & Modern Roots of Yoga". Yoga Journal.
  8. ^ "Surya Namaskara". Divine Life Society. 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2019.

Sources[]

  • Iyengar, B. K. S. (1979) [1966]. Light on Yoga: Yoga Dipika. Unwin Paperbacks. ISBN 978-1855381667.
  • Jain, Andrea (2015). Selling Yoga : from Counterculture to Pop culture. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-939024-3. OCLC 878953765.
  • Mehta, Silva; Mehta, Mira; Mehta, Shyam (1990). Yoga: The Iyengar Way. Dorling Kindersley.
  • Newcombe, Suzanne (2019). Yoga in Britain: Stretching Spirituality and Educating Yogis. Bristol, England: Equinox Publishing. ISBN 978-1-78179-661-0.
  • Singleton, Mark (2010). Yoga Body : the origins of modern posture practice. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-539534-1. OCLC 318191988.
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