Purvottanasana: Reverse Plank Pose

Purvottanasana: Reverse Plank Pose

Purvottanasana (PUR-voh-tah-NAH-sah-nah) is a sibling of bridge pose and plank pose. Reverse plank may look intimidating for the shoulders, but there are several variations of the pose, all of which can help open the front of the body while strengthening the back.

Philosophy and Origin:

This pose goes by many names including “reverse plank,” and “upward-facing plank” pose. The Sanskrit name translates to “intense east stretch.” Ancient yogis considered the front of the body to be the “east” side as yoga was practiced while facing the rising sun.

Sanskrit:

  • Purva: east
  • Ut: intense
  • Tan: stretch
  • Asana: pose

Physical Benefits:

  • Opens the chest and shoulders.
  • Builds and tones the core muscles.
  • Counters forward-facing tasks like sitting at a desk, driving, and looking at a phone.

Energetic Benefits:

  • Releases tension from the body.
  • Relieves fatigue and stress.

Preparatory Poses:

Sequential Poses:

Counter Poses:

Adjustments/Modifications:

  • Use a block: Build inner core strength by placing a block in between your thighs, then squeeze the block as you lift into the pose.
  • Half reverse plank: Place the soles of your feet on the ground with knees bent for a variation of full reverse plank.

Step-By-Step:

  1. Begin seated with your legs out in front of you.
  2. Reach through the ball mounds of your feet, halfway between pointed and flexed.
  3. Place your hands behind you, fingertips pointing toward your hips. Roll your shoulders behind you.
  4. Press into your palms and through the ball mounds of your feet. Exhale to lift your hips off the ground, tailbone pointing toward your heels.
  5. Lift your heart. Option to lift your gaze to the ceiling.
  6. Hold for five breaths, then release hips to the ground.

 

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Adho Mukha Svanasana: Downward-Facing Dog Pose

Adho Mukha Svanasana: Downward-Facing Dog Pose

Adho mukha svanasana (AH-doh MOO-kah shvah-NAHS-anna), also known as downward-facing dog pose, is a mild inversion that calms the nervous system and helps relieve stress. During downward-dog, focus on the details of your inhale and exhale to hone your attention. Notice your breath before entering the pose, during the pose, and after leaving the pose.

Sanskrit:

  • Adho = downward
  • Mukha = face
  • Svana = dog
  • Asana = pose

Philosophy & Origin:

Adho mukha svanasana is practiced as a free-standing posture or as part of a vinyasa sequence and is used as a “resting” point for stretching the back of the legs and the shoulders.

Tips:

This pose stretches the hamstrings, calves, spine, and muscles in the back. Go slowly and listen to your body’s limits.

Physical Benefits:

  • Stretches your hamstrings, calves, feet, and hands.
  • Strengthens your arms, shoulders, and back.
  • Improves mobility in your digestive system.
  • Relieves back pain, headaches, insomnia, and fatigue.

Energetic Benefits:

  • Elongates and releases tension from your spine.
  • Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause.

Mudra: Apana Mudra

This mudra is also known as the “prayer mudra.”

How to: The tips of the middle and ring finger touch the tip of the thumb. The forefinger and little finger are stretched out and straight.

Benefits:

  • Helps move prana energy to the periphery of the body.
  • Regulates the excretory system and helps maintain internal chemical homeostasis.
  • Aids in waste elimination from the mouth, eyes, ears, nose, throat, etc.
  • Regulates diabetes.
  • Helps with constipation and urine obstruction.

Mantra:

Om Mani Padme Hum Mantra

As translated by the Dalai Lama, this mantra means “the jewel is in the lotus,” or “praise to the jewel in the lotus.” Many contend that the true meaning of this mantra cannot be translated into a simple phrase or sentence, but all of the teachings reiterate that suffering in life is unnecessary, and through peaceful reflection and calculated action, we can avoid the aspects of our lives that cause suffering and embrace those that bring joy and enhance our daily lives. The lotus is often believed to be symbolic of our ability to rise out of darkness and blossom with beauty, and this recognition of how we rise out of dark conditions is invoked through the power of this mantra.

Preparatory Poses:

Follow-Up Poses:

Contraindications and Cautions:

Before trying any inversion, check with a doctor before performing the pose if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Wrist problems like carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis
  • High blood pressure
  • Eye or inner ear infection
  • Late-term pregnancy

Adjustments/Modifications:

  • Ease pressure on your wrists by placing a wedge under your palms or performing the pose on your forearms (dolphin pose).
  • Elevate your hands on blocks or on the seat of a chair to take weight off of your hands, wrists, and shoulders.
  • Place your palms on a wall and walk your feet back for a standing variation of downward-facing dog with more control.

Step-By-Step:

  1. Start on your hands and knees in a table top position with your hands and knees shoulder width apart. Your hands should be slightly in front of your shoulders. Spread your fingers wide on your mat with your middle fingers facing forward. Firmly press your palms flat on your mat.
  2. Curl your toes under. Exhale slowly as you lift your knees off of the floor and send your hips skyward. Press your chest back toward your thighs.
  3. Move toward straightening your legs and lowering your heels, but don’t lock out your knees or try to force it.
  4. Tilt your sitting bones up high and rotate your inner thighs slightly in and up, aware of your low ribs’ tendency to jut out as you find length here. Draw the ribs gently back in by toning your belly.
  5. Press the pads of your fingers and your full palm into the floor. Straighten but don’t lock out your arms. Engage your upper arm muscles to draw your elbows slightly in and pull your shoulders out of your ears.
  6. Keep your neck neutral (ears aligned with biceps) with your your gaze looking slightly back toward your feet.

###Legal Disclaimer Before participating in any exercise program or using any fitness products or services that may be described and/or made accessible in or through the Gaia Website and/or the Services, you should consult with a physician or other healthcare provider. Read more about Gaia’s Terms Of Use.

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