Health Benefits of Ushtrasana or Camel Pose

Ushtrasana or Camel Pose

‘Ushtra’ means Camel in Sanskrit and Asana means ‘Pose’. In this pose almost all the limbs of the body are arched like those of a camel. So, it is called as Ushtrasana. It is a backward bending pose. This asana belongs to the category of kneeling poses. It can be practiced by beginner and intermediate level practioners. Let us see the benefits of Ushtrasana or Camel Pose and how to do it.

How to do Ushtrasana or Camel Pose

·         Sit in Vajrasana. Kneel on the yoga mat.

·         Keep about fifteen cms distance between the heels.

·         Breathe deeply. Arch backwards. Hold the right ankles firmly with the right hand and the left ankles with the left hand. If you cannot touch your ankles, just keep the hands on the hips. Alternately keep pillows below knees so that hands can touch the pillows.

·         Breathe in the normal way. Hold this position for 6-8 seconds.

·         Come back to original position.

·         Repeat this asana two or three times a day.

Benefits of Ushtrasana or Camel Pose

·         This pose activates respiratory system and so it is beneficial to those who suffer from asthma.

·         This pose cures diseases caused by ‘vata’, ‘pitta’ and ‘kafa’ (wind, bile and phlegm).

·         The practice of this pose cures all types of diseases related to fistula. It has a calming effect on menorrhagia and diabetes.

·         It removes pain in neck, shoulders and spine.

·         It improves eyesight.

·         It helps to ease headache, trouble in voice and tonsils.

·         It gives proper exercise to chest and makes it well shaped.

·         This pose keeps spine elastic, healthy and efficient.

·         Repiratory efficiency is increased by this asana.

·         Daily practice of this asana opens Heart or Anahata Chakra.

·         Ushtrasana practice give relief in stress and anxiety. Bending backwards releases tensions and revitalizes the brain.

·         This asana stretches the muscles of the neck region where thyroid and parathyroid glands are situated. Stretching stimulates these glands and impoves their functioning.

·         It detoxifies body and enchances circulation to the digestive tract. Thus, improving digestion, appetite and excretion of food.

·         It reduces fat from the stomach, thighs, arms and hips.

·         It improves bad posture. It stretches the entire body and strengthens the spine rectifying the slumpy posture.

·         This pose stretches the muscles of the chest, lowers blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension, enhances blood circulation in the body. It promotes healthy heart.

·         It helps to overcome menstrual discomfort.

Precautions for Ushtrasana or Camel Pose

·         Do not tense neck. Do not separate knees wider than hips. Do not crunch your back by squeezing the hips.

·         Always do this posture under guidance of a Yoga Teacher for proper alignment.

·         People having back injuiry, neck injuiry, high or low blood pressure should perform the pose under supervision of an experienced teacher.

Follow Up Poses

It can be followed up by SetuBandhasana.