Dhanurasana
Bow Pose, or sometimes Urdva Chakrasana (Upward Wheel Pose), is an asana

Asana

Asana is a body position, typically associated with the practice of Yoga, originally identified as a mastery of sitting still, with the spine as a conduit of biodynamic union...

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Etymology

The name comes from the Sanskrit words Dhanura (धनुर, Dhanura) meaning "bow", and Asana (आसन, Āsana) meaning "posture" or "seat".

Description

Dhanurasana is a yoga

Yoga

Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...

 pose in which the practitioner lies on the belly, grasps the feet, and lifts the legs into the shape of a bow

Bow (weapon)

The bow and arrow is a projectile weapon system that predates recorded history and is common to most cultures.-Description:A bow is a flexible arc that shoots aerodynamic projectiles by means of elastic energy. Essentially, the bow is a form of spring powered by a string or cord...

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Anatomical focus

Backward extension of the spine is achieved with the back muscles, not by leverage with the arms. The spine is extended fully from the hips to the head before moving into this — or any — pose.

Follow-up poses

The inverted pose is Chakrasana

Chakrasana

Chakrasana or Wheel Pose is a yoga asana. It is part of the finishing sequence of the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga and is a backwards somersault into Chaturanga Dandasana-Etymology:...

 (Urdhva Dhanurasana), the counter pose is Halasana

Halasana

-Etymology:The name comes from the Sanskrit words hala meaning "plow" and asana meaning "posture" or "seat".-Description:The practitioner lies on the floor, lifts the legs, and then places them behind the head.-Cautions:...

 or Sarvangasana

Sarvangasana

Sarvangasana or Shoulderstand is an āsana.Many variations of the Shoulderstand exist, the likely most common to be taught is Supported Shoulderstand .Sarvangāsana is nicknamed "queen" or "mother" of all the yoga poses....

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