An intermediate level backward bend poses which opens up your heart chakra and increases strength and flexibility while stretches the whole front of your body.
Ustra-Camel | Asana-Pose
This asana is pronounced as Oohs-tra-aa-sun-aa, Sanskrit- उष्ट्रासन. Ustrasana posture resembles a camel. Regular practice of this pose can help you to relieve neck and back pain caused by sitting in front of a computer or driving. Ustrasana stimulates and balances both the fourth and fifth chakras, located at the heart and throat centers, respectively. According to the Kundalini stream of yoga, this asana can open and awaken the heart chakra.
Benefits of Camel Pose
- This pose stretches the stomach, abdomen, and intestines.
- It is very helpful in strengthening the backs and shoulders.
- Helps to relieve menstrual discomfort
- Improves digestion and massages the internal organs
- Makes the spine more flexible and builds a better posture
Precautions
If you have any recent medical concerns, discuss with your doctor before practicing this yoga pose. Practitioners suffering from a back or neck injuries should practice under the supervision of a yoga instructor. High or low blood pressure patients should not practice this pose. People having migraine or insomnia should avoid this pose.
Steps to do a perfect Camel Pose
- Kneel on your mat placing your hands on your hips. The knees and shins should touch the ground.
- Now keep your knees and shoulders in the same line, and the soles of your feet are facing the ceiling.
- Inhale slowly. Arch your back and draw your tailbone in towards your pubis. Now, gently slide your palms over your feet and straighten your arms.
- Keep your neck free and neutral. Make sure it is not to be strained.
- Hold the position for as long as you can and then come back to the original position.
- Relax and repeat this pose for 3-4 times.
Tips
This asana is an amazing stretch which works towards opening up the front of your body while opening your pectoral muscles and hip flexors. This asana acts as a therapy for diabetes, asthma, thyroid, parathyroid, spondylitis, or bronchitis.
When you are starting off, it can be difficult to reach for your feet with your hands, then tuck your toes and elevate your heels. If you still find it difficult to reach for your feet, then use a yoga block and place both your hands on them. To bring variation and a challenge, touch your thighs, calves, and inner feet while you are in the pose.
This pose can be an emotionally moving and energizing yoga posture. It is important to listen to your body throughout the pose. If your breath becomes short, then ease up and relax.
Just like the camel survives in extreme conditions in the desert, if you practice this pose regularly, then it can help you to overcome the rough times that life throws at you, be it physically or mentally.
Enjoy your yoga practice and have an awesome day! If you feel this article is helpful to you then share your experience with us by commenting below. We would be happy to hear from you!
Rakesh Yoga 