The Holistic Benefits of Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

There are poses in yoga that benefit almost all the body systems. Camels Pose is one of them. Do it the right way and it will bring you lots of benefits on physical, mental and emotional levels.

Camel Pose 1

Cautions

If you have problems with back, neck, or knees, consult your teacher before doing this asana. People with high or low blood pressure and those suffering from migraines and insomnia are recommended to avoid this asana. Beginners should stay in this pose for the maximum of 20 seconds.

How to do Camel Pose???

Camel Pose 2

Sit on knees, make sure your thighs are perpendicular to the floor and your knees are a hip-width apart. Check that your soles face upward and your toes are touching the floor. Put your hands on your sacrum or on your hips. Inhale and start arching your back, move your hands from hips (sacrum) to your heels one by one. And if your neck feels alright, throw back your head. Follow the girl on the video to get the pose right.

Beginner tip: put a cushion between your knees to make the pose simpler. If you need to compress your lower back to touch your heels, tuck your toes instead. You can also try Camel Pose variation with palms againstback.

Camel Pose 3

Mistakes to avoid: don’t squeeze your glutes and don’t crunch the lower back, instead lift the sternum towards the ceiling. 

Benefits

— Increases spine flexibility and improves posture

— Stimulates the thyroid gland

— Normalises the digestion

— Relieves tension in shoulders, back, and neck

— Improves respiration by opening up chest

— Stretches hips and abdominal muscles

In addition to all the above, Camel Pose has a great effect on your mental and emotional health.

It is a great stress reliever. Have you noticed how you start slouching when you are burdened with problems? By relaxing your spine in Camel Pose you are letting go of stress and anxiety. The pose also opens up heart chakra and brings suppressed emotions to the forefront. Some people even start crying in this pose. So, Ustrasana is a good way to deal with emotions.

As you see, yoga has a very beautiful pose to bring your body, mind, and soul in harmony. Stay in this pose for the maximum of 20 seconds when starting, you can then increase the time up to 30-60 seconds. And don’t forget to breathe deeply.