Modify Your Practice: Downward facing dog
As time goes on our bodies change and sometimes that change means certain body positions are no longer comfortable, may cause physical symptoms or are the reason for numbness and tingling in the arms or legs. Downward facing dog is one of the rest poses used in yoga classes but with how classes are like in Culver City and surrounding cities the alignment and focus of a class is solely on flow and seldom on being accessible to everyone. Here are a few ways downward facing dog can be modified for you in a class setting or at home when practicing from a video.
I can’t put pressure on my wrists
As common as desk jobs are the pressure on the wrists may start from carpal tunnel or just general lack of range of motion in the joints and the forearm (radial and ulnar) bones, joints and muscles. How to do downward facing dog and reduce wrist pressure?
Elevate to hands on the wall maintaining a hip hinge creating the upper body stretch and length of spine
Option to use a yoga strap around the forearms to create tension in the muscles that help stabilize your shoulder which can alleviate tension in the forearms and wrists.
While folding your mat is the quick and easier option, it can cause instability. So opt to use yoga blocks under the hands and allow the fingers to rest slightly over the blocks so that you can focus on the rotation of the crease of your elbows and shoulder rotations to help you find your best alignment
Now these are just a few small options in a long term practice of yoga. It is always as an option and never a set in stone. Some days we are better than others and that it can change day to day. If you have a chronic health condition you may find help through a private yoga instructor who can help you in the moments that are the most daunting and uncomfortable.
I enjoy working with clients find a love in their body and movement again. I’d love to assist you here in Culver City, CA or through a virtual lessons that provide a similar lesson as we do in person!
Standard Downward Facing Dog