Inverting with Dolphin Pose

For our inverted pose in class tonight I introduced Dolphin Pose. It's a modified version of Downward Facing Dog, but using the forearms instead of the hands. If you have wrist problems (like me), you want to increase your upper back strength, or you just need a break from classic down dog then this is the pose for you. This pose has many benefits:

• Stretches and strengthens the shoulders, upper back, and legs
• Relieves headaches, insomnia, back pain, and fatigue
• Therapeutic for high blood pressure, asthma, sciatica, and stress

Dolphin Pose:
http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2462

We also played around with taking the pose a step further by kicking our feet up in the air while balancing on our forearms. At its full extent this pose is known as Feathered Peacock Pose or Pincha Mayurasana. It's a essentially a forearm stand and one of my favorite poses.

Feathered Peacock Pose:
http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/1711

Being upside down is the quickest way to change your perspective, attitude, and state of mind.

So when you are in a bad mood, if your stuck in a rut, or if you just need to wipe your slate clean then turn your body upside down and your mind will follow.

Until next Tuesday,
Namaste~
Chica