Upward Facing Dog Benefits. Stretches and Strengthens arm, wrist, spine, and shoulder In Upward dog, most of the weight-bearing is done by the set of the wrist, arms, spine, and shoulder; this stretches and strengthens the concerning body parts.; Improve Digestion Backward bending in Urdhva Mukha Svanasana has a massaging effect over the digestive organs; that stimulates their function ...