Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow or Wheel Pose) is also called the backbend or wheel pose. “Urdhva” in Sanskrit, means “Upward” and “Dhanu’ means “Bow”. This Yoga pose is so called because the body assumes the shape of a bow about to shoot arrow in upward direction. Upward Bow, Backbend, or Wheel Pose also has two [...]

Sethu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose) is an excellent stretch for both the front torso and back of the body that is considered a wonderful counterpose to the forward bends. As the name suggests, in this pose you make what looks like a bridge of your body, supported by your hands. Even though a little difficult [...]

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog) pose is a small backbend. In Sanskrit, The word Urdhva means Upward, Svana, means “Dog” as in “Adho Mukha Svanasana” (Downward-Facing Dog) and Mukha means Mouth hence Upward-Facing Dog. This Yoga pose is so called because the practitioner is supposed to bear resemblance to a dog stretching with its head [...]

Shalabhasana (Locust Pose) is an excellent Yoga pose, particularly a back strengthener. It is recommended in particular before doing Yoga poses that call for a lot of flexibility for the simple reason that it builds up the much needed strength to support the flexibility that comes over time. The word “Shalabha” means Locust in Sanskrit [...]

Ushtrasana (Camel Pose) is an excellent backbend, particularly for those who wish bring more vitality into their respiratory organs. Ushtra, in Sanskrit, means Camel and this pose is a wonderful backbend, which, when done properly, helps throw open your chest and thoracic spine. Nor can you forget the deep stretch in your hip flexors (psoas), [...]

Eka Pada Rajakapotasana II (One-Legged King Pigeon Pose II) is another deep backbend that calls for a certain amount of flexibility to accomplish. It is so called because, in the final stage, it puffs up your chest, making you look like a pigeon. While this Yoga pose does a lot to stretch your thighs, it [...]

Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (One-Legged King Pigeon Pose) is an intermediate back bend Yoga pose that requires quite a bit of flexibility to do. While the pose does a lot to stretch your thighs, it is also great for your back and chest. It is best to try Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (One-Legged King Pigeon Pose) just [...]

Pincha Mayurasana (Feathered Peacock Pose) is one such Yoga pose that many people consider a pleasant alternative to the inversions they often shy away from when they start Yoga practice. This is probably because a wall is actually used to help you while doing the pose. Even though inverted poses do call for a certain [...]

Kapotasana (King Pigeon Pose) is an advanced yoga pose that calls for quite a bit of preparation. Yoga beginners and other less experienced Yoga practitioners have many milder versions to practice before achieving this pose, as it is a slightly more challenging than other backbends. However, when done, it feels great in the shoulders, spine [...]

Matsyasana (Fish Pose) is not like so many of the poses that are named after the creatures they’re named, inasmuch as it doesn’t really resemble a fish. Rather, legend has it that if you do this pose in water, you could, probably, float like a fish. Customarily Fish Yoga Pose or Matsyasana has always been [...]