Dhanura Asana

by Jay Stewart

My favourite yoga pose is Dhanura Asana or as I prefer to call it The Bow Pose.

I enjoy this pose, because it reminds me of the flexibility and patience required with yoga. Many people struggle with this pose. But it's something to build up to. I like it because I feel that the entire body is in motion and being stretched to its limits.

To start I lay flat on the floor on my stomach and simply relax. I'll take a few deep breaths just enjoying the contact with the mat. Then I bend my legs so that my feet come towards my bottom. I reach back with my arms and grab the outside of my heels.

After this I kick up my feet to the ceiling holding on tight with my arms. This causes the deep stretch throughout the entire body. From there, it's a continual motion of trying to lift my torso off the ground through having my feet reach higher to the ceiling.

For those who are struggling to reach their feet I would suggest just bending your legs back towards your bottom and then placing your hands upon your lower back.

As you struggle, remember that yoga is a practice and that with time, you will get better. I'm a huge fan of yoga and have been doing it since my mid teens. If you can't do a full length session daily, I still find value in doing a few poses each day.