Upward Salute (Urdhva Hastasana)

Upward Salute is a foundational standing posture that stretches the entire front of the body by sweeping the arms overhead with the palms facing each other or pressed together, lengthening through the sides of the torso, shoulders, and arms. It is an ideal way to open a practice or a sun salutation sequence, inviting awareness of breath and vertical alignment. Standing tall in Mountain Pose, the arms rise on an inhale until they are fully extended overhead, with the gaze lifting gently to follow.

Cues

• Press all four corners of both feet into the ground and feel the energy lift from the earth up through your fingertips.
• Draw the lower ribs in slightly to prevent the lumbar spine from over-arching as the arms rise.
• Relax the shoulders away from the ears even as the arms stretch long and tall.
• Inhale to grow taller; on every exhale, notice any tension in the neck or jaw and consciously release it.