Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana – Weekly Advanced Class 61

Dwi pada viparita dandasana is a backbend with numerous applications in an Iyengar yoga sequence. Supported versions of the pose can be used as an alternative for headstand, or simply as a chest opening restorative pose. Unsupported versions of the pose can be therapeutic for your neck, shoulders and upper back, or act as a transition pose, linking urdhva dhanurasana with a range of other more advanced backbends.

Dwi pada viparita dandasana is the sole focus of this weeks advanced class. No additional standing poses or inversions are included. Initially a supported version of the pose is used to create opening. Eventually the more classical unsupported version of the pose is explored. Methods and techniques are added where necessary to enable the backs of your shoulders to lift and your chest to open. Eventually you look at ways of evolving the pose towards other more advanced backbends such as chakra bhandasana.