Camel pose
Meaning: The name is derived from the Sanskrit word उष्ट्रासन – Ustrameaning “camel”, and Asanasmeaning “pose”.
Types of yoga: Hatha yoga.
Level: Intermediate level.
Strengthens: Back muscles, back of thighs and buttocks.
Stretching: The front of the body including the chest, abdomen and quadriceps.
Contraindications: Neck injury, back injury, spondyloarthritis, abdominal hernia, migraines. You should not practice Camel Pose if you are pregnant or menstruating.
Ustrasana mythology
Ustrasana is one of the thirty-two postures taught in the second chapter of the Gheranda Samhita – a Sanskrit text of Yoga in Hinduism: “Lie on your stomach with your legs facing up and crossed. Holding your legs crossed with your hands, forcefully contract your stomach and mouth. This is what the wise call Ustranga.”
The 17th century Gheranda Samhita The Sanskrit text of Yoga is one of the three classical texts of Haṭha-yoga: a major branch of Yoga, sharing similarities with the system of Yoga taught by Patanjali, although claiming its own mythical founder known as Matsyendranātha.
The essence of Ustrasana
Camels teach us to stay the course And confidence in the result. They represent courage And determination. Camels have the gift of accomplishing the impossible, and when we put our body in this pose, we awaken this same gift within us.
With consistent practice in camel pose, we will begin to confront and explore what we so often try to hide. We will find the source of strength that will sustain us even in the sometimes harsh climates of our lives.
Benefits of Ustrasana
The main physical benefits of Camel Pose include:
- Stretches the front of the body.
- Stretch the chest.
- Strengthen the arms.
- Helps with shoulder and upper back mobility.
- Strengthens the legs and back.
- Opens the hips, stretches the hip flexors.
On a spiritual And emotional level this pose:
- Relax the mind.
- Promotes a deep sense of confidence in yourself and your body, as well as feelings of inner strength and courage.
- Opens the heart chakra – anahata.
- Strengths to overcome fears and trust your own body.
How to do Ustrasana
- to start on your knees with reflections on the earth. Place your knees under your hips and your legs parallel to each other behind you.
- Bring your hand to your lower back. The fingers can be turned towards the sky or towards the earth.
- Lengthen THE tailbone down to the ground and gently engage the core by pulling the navel inward and toward the spine.
- Lengthen yours spine and start leaning back.
- Tap yours basin towardsmaking sure you don’t grip your glutes, lift through your sternum.
- Place yours hands on yours heels and gently push yours hips forward a little more and expand your chest.
- Keep your neck straight.
- To deepen the pose, place your hands flat on your feet, palms toward the soles of your feet, fingers pointing in the same direction as your toes.
- After 5 or more breaths tone yours pelvic floor and abdomen, and lift your sternum, bring your hands to your waist as you lift, then move forward into child’s pose.
SOURCE:
Ushtrasana, Ushtra-asana, Uṣṭrāsana: 3 definitions – https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/ushtrasana