Feature Posture - Posture #10

Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada-Janushirasana



What does Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada-Janushirasana mean?
In Sanskrit, it means "Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee Pose"

This posture is a compression posture; the one that makes you feel like you have obstruction in your throat; that uncomfortable throat choking sensation this posture produces. The ultimate goal is to bring your forehead to your knee with your legs locked but also to remember to BREATH deeply which will help you get further into the stretch. Your inhales and exhales should be long and deep, with every exhale try to go deeper into the pose.

Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee trims the abdomen, waistline, hips, buttocks and thighs. It massages and compresses the thyroid gland which helps to regulate your metabolism, blood sugar level and immune system. This posture is also good for depression and loss of memory.

*The key to this posture is to keep your chin tucked in as you move towards the knee. You will be looking at your belly button. Many benefits are lost because the forehead and the knee are not in contact, so bend your knee up as much as you need to so they stay touching.

When did you attend Teacher Training?
I did teacher training in the Fall of 2006, at Bikram's Los Angeles headquarters.

What is your favorite posture and why? Least favorite posture?
Most favorite: My favorite posture changes all the time as my practice changes. At the moment, my favorite is standing bow pulling pose. It is beautiful to watch and it feels so good. I have improved in this posture significantly, but now I need to apply more attention to my left side, which is noticeably weaker than my right side. I became aware of this when one of my teachers continuously asked me in class if I was injured.

Least favorite: My least favorite posture is definitely the 1st part of awkward. I have found this posture challenging since my first Bikram class. I can never get my upper body back. I know I need this pose, but it just feels so awkward for me.

What was your most memorable class and teacher?
My most memorable classes were all of Bikram's classes at training. I remember he would never say "change" at the end of the posture, so if you wanted to you could hold each posture for a very, very, very long time. Even though it seemed like he wasn't watching when people came out of the postures, he was aware of everything! Sometimes his classes would go on for nearly two hours. My most memorable teacher other than Bikram is Craig, who is one of the main instructors at Teacher Training. He pushed me way beyond my limits.

The student of the month is Ryan Taron.

What is your home studio and how long have you been practicing?
My home studio is mostly the Cambie and I've been at it now for just over 2 years.

What has Bikram's done for you?
I suffer from a genetic arthritis condition that had been debilitating my body in most all joints up to the point in which I began regularly attending the Bikrams classes. I had been through most every available drug and treatment and although some of the drugs used would help temporarily relieve my symptoms, the condition would return and typically in a more damaging form.

Once I began this yoga practice, I noticed that within about a month, a dramatic change the intensity of the pain that I would suffer and in a few months there was not only noticeable change in pain, but also some regeneration of muscle tone and my general well being. In about a year of practicing these lessons I am able to enjoy again doing the board sports that I used to have endorsement for. And now, I actually surpass my ability levels of "those years". I could barely do a single push-up 2 years ago. I feel that I can enter triathlons now. And even do well. I say to people that it has made me eighteen again.

What would you tell someone who is just starting their practice of Bikram's Yoga?
Stick with it. I tell people what it has done for me and also that it is practically a "cure-all" work-out that fixes so many parts of your body's functionality that you will almost be shocked. And you end up with a body that you thought was locked away in your past or perhaps had never been seen previously.

Keeping a regular routine is key to gain benefit medicinally and physically. And realize, if a certain position or pose is difficult, well you better make damn sure you try hard at that one because you need it the most. You get what you give with this practice and until you venture into it, you just don't realize how far these positive affects can and do run!

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BYV has an immediate opening for a General Manager to manage all its 3 Vancouver studios.

If you are interested, please follow the link below to see the description:

General Manager Position (PDF)

Attention Yogis

Just a friendly reminder that a written notice is needed in person to cancel your $99 continuous membership.

Final Savasana

Please take the minimum 2 minutes for final savasana to absorb all the benefits of your class and truly relax.

Forgetful Yogis

We are donating clothes and other lost items to charity every month, so PLEASE remember to pick up all your belongings.

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Please turn off all cell phones and refrain from talking while in the yoga room.

Please leave all belongings in the changing room and there are lockers for storage.

Be mindful of your neighbor's space and visibility in the mirror.

It is better to lie down and relax than to jump up and leave the classroom; however if it is necessary, please return to the room when class is in savasana rather than in a posture.

Release expectations, open your mind and trust the process.