Downward Facing Dog

adho mukha shvanasana

Level: Beginner
Pronunciation: (AH-doh MOO-kah shva-NAH-sun-uh)

Instructions

1. From Table position, tuck the toes under, press into the hands and begin to lift the hips up towards the ceiling.

2. Spread the fingers wide apart with the middle finger facing forward, and the palms shoulder width apart. Press the out through the fingers and edges of the hands.

3. Using straight (but not locked) arms, press the hips up and back reaching the chest towards the thighs. Lift up through the tailbone to keep the spine straight and long.

4. Have the feet are hip’s width apart with the toes facing forward. Press the heels into the floor feeling a stretch in the back of the legs. The legs are straight, or you can have a small bend at the knees to keep the back flat.

5. Let the head and neck hang freely from the shoulders or look up at the belly button.

6. Breathe and hold for 2-6 breaths.

7. To release: bend the knees and lower the hips back to Table position, or come all the way down to child pose.

Benefits + Contraindications

Benefits: Downward facing dog deeply stretches the back, opens the chest, and builds upper body strength. This posture stimulates the brain and nervous system, improving memory, concentration, hearing and eyesight.

Contraindications: Recent or chronic injury to the back, hips, arms or shoulders, unmediated high blood pressure.

Modifications + Variations

Modifications:  A) Use blocks under the hands or head. B) Place a folded towel under the wrists. C) Press both heels against a wall.

Variations: Dolphin pose, One Leg Down Dog, Down Dog Twist.

Vinyasa

Use one or more of the following postures to build a sequence leading up to this pose: Table, Cat, Dog, Tiger.

Use one or more of the following postures to build a sequence ending after this pose: Plank, Upward Facing Dog, Child, High Lunge.

Share with

Friends & Students

Explore More

Forward Bending Poses
  • kurmasana • tortoise pose

    Tortoise

  • Standing Yoga Seal / dandayamana yoga mudrasana

    Standing Yoga Seal

  • Warrior Seal • Virabhadra Mudra

    Warrior Seal

  • Half Forward Fold • Ardha Uttanasana

    Half Forward Fold

  • adho mukha shvanasana • Downward Facing Dog

    Downward Facing Dog

  • janu sirsasana Seated Head to Knee

    Seated Head to Knee

  • Side Seated Angle • parsva upavistha konasana

    Side Seated Angle

  • Wide-Legged Forward Bend / Prasarita Padottanasana

    Wide-Legged Forward Bend

Remove Ads with a

Premium Membership

Viewing ads supports YogaBasics, which allows us to continue bringing you quality yoga content. Sign up for a premium membership to remove all ads and enjoy uninterrupted access to the best yoga resources on the web.

Categories for Downward Facing Dog

Asana Type

Focus

Chakras

Elements

Explore More

Yoga TipsAdviceArticlesPracticesBasicsTechniques

  • 11 Ways to Improve Your Yoga Practice

    11 Ways to Improve Your Yoga Practice

  • Yoga for Flexibility: Top Tips and Best Poses

    Yoga for Flexibility: Top Tips and Best Poses

  • yoga skin care tips

    7 Essential Skin Care Tips Every Yogi Should Know

  • writing a yoga journal

    How to Start a Yoga Journal

  • Vinyasa Yoga Injury

    How to Avoid Common Vinyasa Yoga Injuries

  • yoga for running

    Yoga for Runners: Top Tips and Best Benefits

  • Grounding Yoga Poses

    13 Grounding Yoga Poses to Strengthen the Earth Element

  • Warrior Poses

    The 5 Warrior Poses of Yoga

  • yoga pose for balance

    The Best Yoga Poses to Build Better Balance

5 responses to “Downward Facing Dog”

  1. Tapomay Avatar
    Tapomay

    These yoga postures are very much useful from top to bottom of a person like other yogas.

  2. Lois French Avatar
    Lois French

    I’ve been told these type of exercises would be beneficial to my scoliosis.
    Having trouble with my legs and feet.

  3. Rita Tanau Avatar
    Rita Tanau

    Downward Facing Dog is my favorite yoga pose. These photos are beautiful and these instructions are perfect.

  4. Maria Valentin Avatar
    Maria Valentin

    Downward Facing Dog pose is such a fantastic way to let go of stress and tension! This is an amazing way to work out those kinks in your back.

  5. Abigail Hayes Avatar
    Abigail Hayes

    Downward Facing Dog is one of my favorite yoga poses! It not only stretches the back and opens the chest, but it also builds strength in the upper body. I’m definitely going to try the variations of Downward Facing Dog, like Dolphin pose and One Leg Down Dog. It’ll add some fun and challenge to my practice.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Yoga Basics