One-Legged Downward-Facing Dog

Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana = One Foot Downward Face Dog Posture

By Cyndi Lee

In 1893, at the World Parliament of Religions, Swami Vivekananda gave a speech that is said to be the first official introduction of yoga to the United States. In the early 1900s, Perry Baker from Iowa changed his name to Pierre Bernard and became known as "the Great Oom"—a yoga teacher to the wives of New York state's financial tycoons. By the 1960s, if you wanted to make it as a movie star in California, then, "Dahling, you absolutely must" study yoga with Indra Devi.

For nearly 120 years, yoga has been a part of American life. During that time, yoga has changed Americans, and Americans have made their mark on the practice. In some cases, asana practice has become more athletic. Vinyasa flows are faster, new poses are being explored, and classes include more variety. Instead of wearing a dhoti, a traditional skirt-like garment worn by Indian men, a typical Western yoga student might sport spandex shorts and a tight tank top. Yet when we're sitting cross-legged with our eyes closed, or moving with our breath, we experience the same peace as the yogis of old. And though yoga may evolve in its outer form, the most important transformation in yoga will always be the change that happens within.

When it comes to asana practice, the more it evolves, the more important it is to learn the essential principles of alignment taught by some of yoga's great teachers, such as B. K. S. Iyengar. In fact, yoga teachers have had to become vigilant in enforcing alignment in their classes to provide a corrective balance to the big, juicy fun yoga we love to do so much!

Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana—One-Legged Downward-Facing Dog Pose—is a perfect example of American inventiveness when it comes to yoga. While remaining grounded in the fundamental alignment of Downward Dog, this posture has grown a little extension! The benefits of Downward Dog—it strengthens the arms and legs, creates space in the torso for better organ function, and rests the brain—are all present, but with one leg up in the air, One-Legged Downward Dog offers the further benefits and fun challenges that come from working with an asymmetrical balance.

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December 2010

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