Sanskrit Name:
Adho Mukha Vrksasana
Description:
An empowering inversion that builds upper body strength, balance, and courage. Handstand cultivates focus, control, and lightness while activating the whole body.
Alignment Cues:
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Hands and Arms:
- Shoulder-width apart, fingers spread wide
- Press evenly through palms and fingertips to grip the floor
- Arms straight and strong, elbows not locked but fully extended
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Shoulders and Core:
- Stack shoulders over wrists
- Engage the core to stabilize the midline and control the lift
- Draw ribs in to prevent arching in the back
-
Hips and Spine:
- Hips stack over shoulders for balance
- Maintain length through the spine and upward lift through the legs
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Legs and Feet:
- Legs together or split (during entry); once balanced, extend straight up
- Point or flex the feet with energy through the toes
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Gaze:
- Drishti is between the hands or slightly forward to support alignment
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Breath:
- Steady and focused to maintain control and calm during inversion