How to do Ushtrasana (Camel Pose)

In Sanskrit Ushtra means camel because the final pose looks like a camel. It is a deep backward bending asana especially good for back problems, blood circulation, and respiratory system. It opens the whole front of the body.

Steps to do Ushtrasana

Steps are very simple to perform; it is only bending which needs to be work upon.

Stand on the knees and keep the knees and feet hip width apart. Slowly try to bend the back backward and place the right hand on the right heel and then left hand on left heel. There is another way of doing this. Hold your right heel with the right hand, left heel with the left hand, and then bend backward.

Keep pushing the abdomen forward, and head and spine backward. In the final pose, weight of the body should be supported by the legs and arms. Breathe normally. This is one round, do a few rounds. It will be helpful to separate the knees slightly wider for easy bending.

Also remember, this pose may be little unstable initially, you may lose the body balance and collapse, may also feel dizzy. It is advisable to take help of somebody initially.

Benefits

1. Good for digestion and constipation.
2. Good for minor back problems, rounded back, shoulder flexibility, and drooping shoulder.
3. Spinal flexibility increases.
4. Thyroid functions regulate.

Precautions

1. There is a risk to collapse in your neck area while bending.
2. You may feel dizzy, get unstable and the overall posture becomes unsafe.
3. Nausea is quite common after-effects.