How Do You Cue: Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-limbed staff pose)

At times, it could be almost impossible to count how many times you would Chaturanga Dandasana in a one hour yoga class.  It is a part of both Sun Salutation A and B as well as included in any full or half vinyasa.  Bottom line, you will do it A LOT!  This is one of the RARE poses that you will almost always hear referred to by its Sanskrit name during a practice, although it is usually truncated to simply "Chaturanga".  The full Sanskrit term is Chaturanga Dandasana which translates as "catur" (four), "anga" (limb), "danda" (staff), "asana" (pose) or four-limb staff pose. 

So, how do you cue, Chaturanga Dandasana?

Chaturanga Dandasana (Four limbed staff)
Cue type	Cue
Short & sweet	Low plank
Meet in the middle	Step or jump back to the top of a pushup and lower down (halfway)
All in the details	From plank on balls of feet with hands directly under shoulders, lower down, hugging elbows to sides, until arms are at a 90 degree angle and hover

 

Image source: http://downdogboutique.com/image/data/Chakras%20by%20Didi/CC007_pose.jpg

That Language of Yoga

Latest publish on DoYouYoga.com exploring the language of yoga... 5 Sanskrit Yoga Terms Explained

 

Homemade Coconut Oil Toothpaste

So, I started reading about Coconut Oil Toothpaste, and while it is not easy to find a medical (meaning dental) source that will confirm that this is an overall healthy solution, I couldn’t help but want to try it based on much what I had read.  Things like:

“Coconut oil is antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal.  Studies have shown that coconut oil destroys the bacteria that can cause tooth decay.” (Source: http://www.healthextremist.com/make-your-own-baking-soda-and-coconut-oil-toothpaste/)

“Baking soda is less abrasive from normal toothpaste, which protects your tooth enamel from wearing off." (Source: http://www.greenandhealthy.info/toothpaste.html)

“Fluoride causes us to absorb extra aluminum – aluminum is the metal that shows up alarmingly in the brains of Alzheimer’s victims.” (Source: http://www.greenandhealthy.info/toothpaste.html)

Along with the fact that over the counter toothpaste comes with a warning to contact Poison Control if too much is ingested by children.   However, I want to caveat, that even if a small child ingested too much of this homemade concoction, I would also be inclined to call Poison Control!  Right?!

So, anyway, based on a sampling of recipes I found online, here is my own version:

 

The first time I used it, I honestly thought my teeth felt cleaner than they ever had using an OTC toothpaste and I was delighted to find that the feeling of cleanliness lasted throughout the day, even after eating a meal! 

Disclaimer: I absolutely will discuss with my dentist on my next visit and HIGHLY recommend that you do as well!

I’m also excited to find out what else I can do with coconut oil!!!

YWG