Yoga Animal Poses - Downward Facing Dog Pose, Cow Face Pose, Cobra Pose, Fish Pose
Downward Facing Dog Pose
The Downward Facing Dog Pose is one of the most well known of all yoga poses, and has tremendous scope. This excellent stretching pose lengthens the spine and stretches the back of the legs, with particular emphasis on the calves. This yoga pose is among the most basic of all yoga postures, and its usefulness as a preparatory pose. It is in fact a great way to warm up your legs, before attempting other more strenuous poses.
The Downward Facing Dog Pose offers a multitude of benefits from strengthening the hands and wrists to improving respiration, relieving anxiety and strengthening the back. This yoga posture is in fact peculiar in that it offers benefits that are typical to a variety of posture styles, like inversions or bends. For example, it increases blood flow to the brain and eyes and stimulates the nervous system, helping improve memory and concentration.
Cow Face Pose
The Cow Face Pose or Gomukhasana is a seated pose that is simple yet challenging. This yoga pose is both a deep hip opener and restorative. It is an uplifting pose that stretches the shoulders and arms completely, and can be very challenging for those with tight shoulders. It however works on the shoulders, releasing tension, and it also opens the chest to promote deep breathing.
The Cow Face Pose is extremely beneficial and can help correct posture for those suffering from rounded shoulders. Consistent and disciplined practice is however essential for the benefits of the pose to be felt. The pose can help deal with chronic knee pain, and it strengthens the abdominal muscles and spine. It improves flexibility significantly, opening up and releasing tension in the hips.
Cobra Pose
The Cobra Pose or Bhujangasana falls into the category of back bends, and is extremely useful for strengthening the back. Although it is a beneficial exercise for the back it should be avoided if you have any pre-existing back problems. The Cobra Pose strengthens and increases flexibility in the spine, particularly in the lower back. This is how it can help prevent a number of spinal ailments that result from deterioration.
This yoga pose has a very practical rationale behind it. Most of us tend to bend forwards during the course of the day, whether performing tasks or to pick up something. The Cobra Pose therefore acts as a counterbalance to this tendency, helping keep the spine supple and strong. It also opens out the chest, enhancing lung capacity and stimulating the nervous system.
Fish Pose
The Fish Pose or Matsyasana is a counter pose to what is known as the Shoulder Stand. This pose must in fact always be practiced after the Shoulder Stand. The Shoulder Stand as you would know stretches the upper spine and the neck, as does the Plough Pose or the Bridge Pose. The Fish Pose, which follows after, now compresses them, with the arching posture of the back. This yoga pose can help to relieve any stiffness in these regions. It also corrects posture, as many of us tend to slouch and have rounded shoulders.
The Fish Pose is also very calming and improves flexibility, whilst relieving stress. Exercise caution and make it a point to consult an expert or physiotherapist before attempting the pose if you suffer from injuries or ailments affecting the neck, shoulders, arms or spine.
