Ushtrasana (Camel posture)

In Sanskrit, Ushtra refers to camel. The posture of Sadhaka resembles to a camel, held with tightened up reins by the rider, hence the name.

1. Be seated in Vajrasana.

2. Stand vertically over joined knees. Put your palms by the side of abdomen keeping fingers on back for support and thumb in front.

3. Bend your neck and head backwards with inhalation, keeping eyes open, thighs, trunk and chest straight vertical, big toes, heals and knees joined.

4. If one can perform further, try to grip heels with fingers brought over it by making a big vertical round in air.

5. In the final posture loose down the neck muscles so as to hang the head freely with forehead facing sky or roof.

6. Maintain the posture for a minute or so and return to normal ‘standing on knees posture’ with exhalation in reverse order of practice.

7. Relax in Vajrasna and further in normal sitting posture after performing three rounds of  Ushtrasana.

8. During initial practice of Ushtrasana, one may feel giddiness. It is not harmful and therefore can be overlooked.

Note – In case, one finds this Asana difficult to practice, he can practice Supta Vajrasna as alternative.

Benefits of Ushtrasana (Camel posture) – Ushtrasana (Camel posture) Useful in digestive, secretive, respiration, and regenerative systems. Also benefits persons suffering from cervical spondylitis, other spinal problems and thyroids. Relieves back pain.