Page 112 - Natural Health (February 2020)

DOWNWARD DOG hands. Step back with the other foot so that it
With regular practice, downward facing dog aligns with the irst foot.
rejuvenates your whole body. An inverted 4 Position your right leg so that it’s in line
pose, it allows for the reversed low of gravity with your right arm, and your left leg is in
and increases the low of blood to the head line with your left arm. Stretch and open your
and heart. It reduces stifness in the shoulders, ingers and toes. Feel the stretch from your
legs and heels and makes the legs strong and palms to your heels.
agile for walking and running. If practised 5 Move your torso towards your legs. Keep
regularly, it can help check heavy menstrual your hips lifted and stretched upwards and
low and help prevent hot lushes during backwards. If possible, stretch your heels down
menopause. If you have low blood pressure, to the ground. Slightly lower the crown of your
come out of the position gradually to avoid head towards the ground. Continue stretching
dizziness. This pose is easier to do on a in this position for one to two minutes.
non-slip mat. 6 To come out of the pose, inhale as you bend
1 Stand up straight at the front edge of your one knee and step forwards, bringing the foot
mat, your arms at your sides. as close to the hands as possible. Continue to
2 Exhale and bend over at the waist, placing support yourself with your hands on the ground
your hands on the ground beside your feet. 7 Step the other leg forwards while exhaling,
If your hands do not reach the ground easily, bringing both feet into alignment. Bend your
bend your knees. knees slightly if necessary. Then inhale and
3 As you inhale, step back with one foot so that stand up straight. You may like to repeat the
your foot is approximately 1m away from your pose on the other leg.

112 NATURAL HEALTH