Vinyala

Pose sheet

Downward-Facing Dog Pose

Adho Mukha Śvānāsanaअधोमुखश्वानासन

Support yourself on hands and feet; lift hips and lengthen torso.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Both hands and feet; heels may remain lifted.

Enter

  1. Start on all fours, hands slightly ahead of your shoulders.
  2. Place hands shoulder-width apart and feet hip-width apart; spread your fingers.
  3. Tuck your toes.
  4. Exhale; lift your knees and send your hips up and back.
  5. Straighten your legs while keeping your torso long.

Hold

  1. Press through both hands, especially the bases of your index fingers.
  2. Rotate upper arms outward; allow shoulder blades to rotate upward.
  3. Send your hips back and reach your heels toward the floor.
  4. Let your head hang between your arms; relax your neck.

Exit

  1. Exhale and lower your knees to the floor.
  2. Bring your hips toward your heels, moving into Child’s Pose.
Breathing
Breathe continuously.
Gaze
Toward your feet, without lifting your head.
Duration
Three to five breaths.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • Bent kneesBend them as needed to keep your torso long.
  • WallPlace hands on a wall; step back until your torso inclines.
  • Blanket under heelsRest your heels on a rolled blanket.

Variations

  • One leg lifted: keep your hips level.
  • Dolphin: forearms grounded, hips lifted, elbows shoulder-width apart.
  • Crown and heels grounded, legs straight.

Signals of effort

  • Inverted posture, with your head pointing down.
  • Some body weight on hands and wrists.
  • Arms overhead relative to your torso.