joyyoga: Urdhva Dhanurasana Yoga Pose of the Week! Also Known As Wheel Prenounced  (OORD-vah don-your-AHS-anna) What does it mean? urdhva = upward dhanu = bow How do you do it? 1. Start in savasana (lying on your back). 2. Bend your knees so that there parallel to the mat. 3. Bend the elbows and bring the palms of your hands underneath your shoulders with the fingertips pointing towards your feet. 4. Inhale as you do a push up lifting first head, chest, and hips off mat. 5. Try to keep arms and legs parallel to each other. 6. Envision your chest pressing against the wall behind you. Hold for 3-5 breaths. 7. Exhale as you gently release to come down, tuck the chin into the chest and lower down slowly. 8. Relax the back down on the mat and begin to sway the knees from side to side like windshield wipers. Beginners: Try the pose at the wall. Take two blocks and place them leaning on the wall at 45 degree angles. Put each hand on a block. Advanced: Lift one leg at a time straight up to the ceiling. Benefits Stretches the chest and lungs Strengthens the arms and wrists, legs, buttocks, abdomen, and spine Stimulates the thyroid and pituitary Increases energy and counteracts depression Therapeutic for asthma, back pain, infertility, and osteoporosis

1 year ago | 4 notes | 10:08 am

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