9
CHAPTER
SUPINE POSES
S
upine means lying in a faceup position. It is the opposite of prone, which is lying face
down. Similarly, supination means to turn a hand, foot, or limb upward, whereas pro-
nation refers to turning them downward.
Both words originate from Latin: Supinus means leaning backward, and pronus means
leaning forward. Interestingly, this is the reverse of the usual movement from each position.
From a supine position, fl exion in the spine and limbs is generally what moves the body
into space; from a prone position, it is extension in the spine or limbs.
Moving into postures from a supine position generally engages the anterior musculature
of the body, which is why many abdominal strengthening exercises start in this position.
Just as tadasana (page 72) is a quintessential standing position, savasana (page 182) is a
fundamental supine position. In savasana, the back surface of the body is almost completely
in contact with the support of the fl oor. There is nowhere to fall, so the postural muscles
can relax from their constant dance with gravity.
Savasana has the lowest center of gravity possible and is a starting point for all the
supine poses. It is also the position in which those asanas usually end. Because very little
effort is required to stabilize the body while it is supine, poses that evolve from here are
by defi nition mostly langhana and become more brhmana (see page 20) as the center of
gravity is raised higher.