Sanskrit Name:
Camatkarasana
Description:
A dynamic heart-opening backbend that blends strength, freedom, and fluidity. Flip Dog invites expansion and play, transitioning from Downward Dog into an expressive, open shape.
Alignment Cues:
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Feet:
- Front foot grounded firmly, knee bent over the ankle
- Back leg extended with the ball or sole of the foot on the mat
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Legs:
- Strong and supportive, especially in the front leg
- Engage the glutes to support the lift of the hips
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Hips:
- Lift high and press forward to open the front body
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Arm and Hand (Grounded Side):
- Shoulder stacked above the wrist
- Fingers spread wide, pressing firmly into the mat
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Extended Arm:
- Reaches overhead and slightly back in a natural arc
- Shoulder relaxed and chest open
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Torso and Chest:
- Lift through the heart space
- Allow the chest to expand and the body to spiral open
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Head and Neck:
- Gaze can be up, back, or down—whichever supports your neck
- Keep the neck long and free from strain
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Breath:
- Deep, open breaths to support the expansive heart-opening shape