Anahatasana heart opening yoga pose

Anahatasana is a heart-opening yoga pose that energizes the whole body. The name is derived from the Sanskrit, anahata, meaning “heart,” and asana, meaning “pose.”

To enter the pose, begin in table pose. Walk the hands forward until the chest reaches the floor. Keep the hips above the knees and place the forehead on the floor. Remain in the pose for one minute.

Anahatasana or Extended Puppy Pose

To practice Anahatasana, or Extended Puppy Pose, come to Mountain Pose at the front of your Yoga mat. Take three full, complete breaths. Breath through your nose and make sure that you are inhaling and exhaling completely. At the end of your next exhale, bring your hands up to Prayer Position in front of your Heart chakra. With your next inhale, raise your arms over your head and beginning flowing through a series of three to five Sun Salutations to warm up your body in preparation for practicing Extended Puppy Pose. If you are not familiar with the movements of the Sun Salutations

BENEFITS

• Releases commonly tight areas of the body: shoulders, neck, upper back
• Enhances mobility of the shoulder girdle
• Energizes: backbends are known to create a natural surge of physical and mental energy