YanvaYoga > Yoga Poses > Camel Pose

Camel Pose - Ustrasana

camel-pose (front) - Iana Varshavska

Contents

Camel Pose or Ustrasana in Sanskrit (“Ustra” means Camel and “Asana” means Pose) is an intermediate-level chest-opening backbend that is energizing and beneficial. This yoga posture adds flexibility and strength to the body and also helps in improving digestion. It is a wonderful addition to your sequence since it prevents slouching and eases lower back stiffness.

Camel Pose stretches the front of the body including the chest, abdomen, and quadriceps. By doing a backbend, you are flexing it in the opposite direction and it may help you develop better posture. It is said to open the heart chakra, which is your energy center for love, caring, and compassion.

Pose Detail

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Start on the knees with the shins on the earth. Feet, ankles, shins, knees, and thighs are hip distance apart. The toes point straight back.
Step 2
Depending on your flexibility you will keep the tops of the feet on the earth or you will tuck all ten toes.
Step 3
Bring your hand to your lower back. Fingers can be facing up towards the sky or down towards the earth, whichever is most comfortable for you.
Step 4
Lengthen the tailbone down to the ground and engage the core gently by drawing the navel in and up towards the spine.
Step 5
Slowly and mindfully begin to bend your torso backwards while you shine the heart towards the sky.
Step 6
Press your hips and upper thighs towards the front of the room. Make sure you are not gripping your glutes.
Step 7
If this is comfortable and you would like to go deeper bring your hands to your heels with your fingers facing back.
Step 8
The gaze can be up to the sky or towards the back of the room just ensure you are not crunching your neck and do what is most comfortable. Some feel keeping the neck straight is the safest route to go.
Step 9
Pay attention to your breath it should be slow and even if you notice it is not back off a bit.
Step 10
After 5 or more breaths put your hands back on your lower back and come back up using your core

Benefits and Contraindications

Benefits

Can help build confidence and empowerment

Improves posture and counteracts the effects of prolonged sitting and doing computer work

May help relieve back pain

Can counteract slouching and kyphosis (abnormal curvature of the spine)

Stretches your abdomen, chest, shoulders, front of your hips (hip flexors), and front of your thighs (quadriceps)

Strengthens your back muscles, back of your thighs, and buttocks (glutes)

Improves digestion

Contraindications

High or low blood pressure, insomnia, or a migraine.

Low back or neck injury

Photo poses in different angles

Modifications, Props & Tips

You may place a block the long way in between your thighs (also highly recommended for Beginners). Keep squeezing into the block and trying to roll it to the back of the room. This will help to keep your legs engaged which will protect and support your spine.

You can also try this posture against the wall. Face the wall and press your thighs against the wall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Variations

  • Camel Pose With Strap And Wall
  • Kneeling Pose Hands Chair
  • Half Camel Pose
  • Sage Nahusha Pose
  • Camel Pose Variation Unsupported Arms

Top Preparatory Poses

  • Camel Pose Variation I
  • Child Pose
  • Bow Pose

Top Follow-Up Poses

  • Child Pose
  • Wide Child Pose
  • Bridge Pose
Iana Varshavska
Iana Varshavska
Website administrator

A digital marketer in love with yoga and everything that goes along with it. In 2021, her huge passion for yoga led her to yoga teacher trainings. After successfully completing her studies, Iana received her Yoga Alliance U.S. certification, left the corporate IT world and devoted herself to the development of Yanva. To be able to create the best online yoga space for yoga enthusiasts like her, Iana is constantly learning and improving her skills in various aspects of yoga philosophy, anatomy and biomechanics. Since 2021, she has continued to attend various types of teacher training, including yoga therapy, gives online and offline classes, and conducts local workshops for people who want to learn more about yoga. At the moment, Iana continues to work on her personal practice, improving her hand balancing skills, as well as developing her own training programs.