Dandayamana-Dhanurasana - Standing Bow Pose

Standing Bow Pose helps you develop patience, determination and concentration. Remember: Proper form is essential and depth is relative, especially as a beginner. The only way is the right way and the right way is the hard way. Standing bow-pulling pose is incredibly effective at flushing the circulatory system. The pose moves blood flow from one side of the body, dumping it into the other and creating a profound circulatory flush. Standing bow is a hugely expressive pose, helping to open the shoulders, hips, spine releasing emotion and stress from the tissues. As in standing head to knee, the position of the chest increases pressure on the heart helping to stimulate and exercise the cardiovascular system.

Strengthens

• Quadriceps
• Gulteus Maximus

Stretches

• Trapezius
• Latisimus Dorsi
• Sartorius
• Hamstrings
• Pectorals
• Diaphragm
• Ribcage
• Spine

Stimulates

• Circulatory System
• Digestive System
• Reproductive System
• Urinary System
• Endocrine System
• Heart
• Kidneys

Benefits

• Creates natural irrigation of the circulatory system – transfers blood flow from one side of the body to the other
• Clears plaque off artery walls
• Eases back pain through compression of the spine
• Improves elasticity of the spine
• Tones hips and buttocks
• Strengthens the ankles and knees
• Helps with frozen shoulder
• Helps alleviate carpal tunnel, arthritis, tennis elbow
• Helps with cervical spondylosis
• Good for prenatal recovery
• Stretches diaphragm and ribcage improving respiration (breathing)
• Flushes kidneys, bladder and urinary system
• Alleviates gas, constipation and clears digestion
• Improves balance
• Develops determination, patience and self-confidence

10 Teacher-tested Tips for a Better Triangle (Bikram Yoga Vancouver):

1. Stretch your arms both up and down. Do not just hang there! Stretch down to the floor and up toward the ceiling in both directions at the same time.

2. Touch the chin exactly to the shoulder. Do not let the neck relax; it is engaged. If you want to look at your posture in the mirror, quickly use your eyes. Otherwise your eyes should be toward the ceiling.

3. Keep the shoulders down. Try and touch your shoulder blades together during the setup to open the chest. Do not let the shoulders rise once the arms have turned. There is a tendency to bring your shoulder to your chin but the chin should move toward the shoulder.

4. Push both your hips forward toward the mirror. Instead of relaxing the hips down or back, make sure you are using your legs to push your hips forward.

5. Touch your lower fingers between the big and the second toe. If you can’t touch the toes, you need to sit down more.

6. When stretching your arm toward the ceiling, keep your torso flat in a straight line. Do not let rib cage stick out.

7. The body weight should be on the bent leg with back foot flat and pronated.

8. Stay positive. This is one of the hardest postures because it requires every muscle in your body to work while trying to maintain the breath. This means attitude is everything – it’s going to hurt like hell, but it will give you a lot of benefits so don’t give up.

9. Keep your hips down, sit down and do not let your hips come up.

10. Breathe. As the dialogue says, “This is a perfect marriage between the heart and the lungs.” Which means better coordination between your heart and lungs

Standing Bow from Sara Curry on Vimeo.