Sun Salutations

[Guest guest]

Hello,

 

About ten years ago when I was taught a version of the sun salutation, I was

taught to go through all of the poses like this (sorry I forget the correct

names):

 

hands up -breath in

forward bend - breath out

spine elongation - breath in

lunge to chest on floor - breath out

upward facing dog - breath in

downward facing dog -hold for 5 breaths

lunge to spine elongation - breath in

forward bend - breath out

half squat with bringing hands over head - breath in

lower hands to natural stance - breath out.

 

Then repeat 4-6 times.

 

Since I do not have anymore contact with my teacher (it's been over ten

years since I spoke with him, and he has since moved, to where I do not

know), I was wondering if there is any particular reason why I would hold

downward facing dog for 5 breaths and not just flow through it like the rest

of the poses?

 

Thanks a lot!

 

-Demian

[Guest guest]

Hi, Demian. Sounds like you've persevered with your practice,

despite not having a teacher- amazing. What you described

doesn't really sound like the traditional Ashtanga Sun

Salutations:

> > hands up -breath in (1)

> > forward bend - breath out (2)

> > spine elongation - breath in (3)

> > lunge to chest on floor - breath out (4)

This should be "jump", not lunge

> > upward facing dog - breath in (5)

> > downward facing dog -hold for 5 breaths (6)

> > lunge to spine elongation - breath in (7)

Ditto, position seven.

> > forward bend - breath out (8)

Up until now, this is Sun Salutation A-

> > half squat with bringing hands over head - breath in (9)

This position belongs to Sun Salutation B; in A you return to

position 1 (ekam).

> > Then repeat 4-6 times.

Traditionally, we do 5 of each before commencing the Primary

series.

 

As for holding position six for 5 breaths, this is how it's done in

ashtanga, traditionally. I could speculate to the reasons

(allowing body/breath to regroup, absorbing benefits of

inversion, stretching shoulders/hamstrings.....), but that's best

left to those who know.

 

there's a wealth of info, both online and in books, if you wish to

practice ashtanga. Hope this was at least somewhat helpful,

and good luck with your practice.