Downward dog, or Adho Mukha Svanasana, is one of the most widely recognized and fundamental poses in yoga.

It stretches the entire body, strengthens the arms and legs, and can be used as a transitional pose in many yoga sequences.

How to Perform Downward Dog

1. Start on Your Hands and Knees:

   • Begin in a tabletop position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.
   • Spread your fingers wide and press firmly into the mat.

2. Lift Your Hips:

   • Tuck your toes under and, on an exhale, lift your knees off the floor.
   • Straighten your legs as much as you can and lift your hips toward the ceiling.

3. Align Your Body:

   • Aim to create an inverted V shape with your body.
   • Keep your arms straight and your ears aligned with your upper arms.
   • Your head should be in a neutral position, either looking down or slightly back between your legs.

4. Engage Your Muscles:

   • Press your heels toward the floor. They don’t have to touch the ground, but the intention should be there.
   • Firm your thighs and engage your quadriceps to help lift your kneecaps.
   • Press into your hands and extend your spine, lengthening from your wrists to your hips.

5. Adjust as Needed:

   • If you have tight hamstrings or shoulders, you can keep a slight bend in your knees.
   • Distribute your weight evenly between your hands and feet.

6. Hold the Pose:

   • Stay in Downward Dog for 5-10 breaths or as long as it feels comfortable.
   • To release, you can drop your knees back to the mat into the tabletop position or move into Child’s Pose for rest.

Tips for Downward Dog

• Shoulder Alignment: Keep your shoulders away from your ears and avoid collapsing into your shoulders.
• Spine Lengthening: Focus on lengthening your spine rather than trying to touch your heels to the floor.
• Breathing: Maintain steady, deep breaths throughout the pose.
• Feet Placement: Your feet should be hip-width apart, and your hands should be shoulder-width apart.
• Adjust for Comfort: Use props like blocks under your hands if needed to make the pose more accessible.

Benefits of Downward Dog

• Full-Body Stretch: Stretches the hamstrings, calves, arches, hands, shoulders, and spine.
• Strengthens Muscles: Builds strength in the arms, shoulders, and legs.
• Improves Circulation: Inverted position helps increase blood flow to the brain.
• Enhances Flexibility: Regular practice can increase flexibility in the hips, hamstrings, and shoulders.
• Relieves Stress: Can help calm the mind and relieve tension, promoting relaxation.

Downward Dog is a versatile pose that can be used as a warm-up, a rest pose, or a transition between other poses.

It's a foundational posture that provides numerous physical and mental benefits when practiced regularly.