(OORD-vah MOO-kah shvon-AHS-anna)
urdhva mukha = face upward (urdhva = upward, mukha = face)
svana = dog
One of my son’s favorite poses is an upward facing dog. I too, have an affection for this asana as it moves me into an open heart and chest. It is a great spine, arm, and wrist strengthener. Remember to always spread your fingers wide and place your body’s weight into the knuckle part of your palm. This will take stress off of your wrists.
Yoga Journal.com has a great step by step instruction for entering this heart opening pose. http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/474