The Eight-Point Touch

Seldom used as an asana in its own right, this position is important in a number of ways as an element in other movements.

Obviously so-called because there are eight points of contact with the ground – feet, knees, chest, hands and chin.  In this position there is an element of bending in the lower back.  The chest is opened and the arms use their strength to support the body. 

Care should be taken by anyone with low back or neck problems.

As a stage in other exercises it is seen as a linking movement.  In Surya Namaskar – Salute to the Sun, the position links the downward facing dog stage, with lying flat on the ground prior to the cobra, and again on the return.

From the dog - Adho Mukha Svanasana – bend the knees and keep the body weight behind the hands.  Rather than lowering the body straight to the ground, think of a plane coming in to land and try to come to ground in a `landing curve`, keeping the elbows raised from the ground and out to the side.  From lying face down, turn the toes under, press into the ground with the knees and lift the hips from the ground.  That movement tends to pull the chest back leaving the chin on the ground.  To lift up and back into the dog, do not press directly down, but down and away so that the weight of the body is pushed back onto the knees and in a smooth movement into the hands and feet as the legs straighten and the hips rise into the air.

In the chakra awareness sequence of Surya Namaskar focus on Manipura chakra, sometimes called the Navel Centre, in this position.

Derek Osborn                               200602