Camel Pose (Ustrasana): How To & Benefits

Camel pose is an awakening asana that opens the throat, heart space, and back body. When practiced regularly, it can help relieve back pain and improve posture. Ustrasana is a pose that need not be rushed and should be felt to truly experience the physical and emotional benefits.

Adding camel pose to your practice is a terrific way to build trust and confidence in yourself both on and off the mat. It’s a deep back bend that requires courage and a willingness to open. From a physical perspective, camel pose can counteract the effects of sitting and slouching by stretching the chest, shoulders, hips, and thighs. It also requires and builds strength throughout the muscles that line the spine, the back of the thighs, and the glutes.

When practicing camel pose, like all backbends, it’s important to take the time to set up the foundation of the shape and safely find your depth. You should also consider your nervous system as you set up and enter camel pose. Take a few deep breaths before you begin to calm your mind. Backbending can trigger feelings of instability, and as such it’s important to lift your chest and push your hips forward from the very start of the pose to feel stable and balanced as you lean into this powerful asana.

By Victoria Maybee; All Rights Reserved @2022

By Victoria Maybee; All Rights Reserved @2022