Camel

Sanskrit Name:

Ustrasana

Description:

A deep heart-opening backbend that stretches the entire front body and strengthens the spine. Camel cultivates courage, openness, and emotional release through vulnerability and strength.

Alignment Cues:

• Knees and Legs:
  • Knees hip-width apart, thighs perpendicular to the floor
  • Press shins and tops of the feet into the mat
• Hips and Pelvis:
  • Stack hips over knees
  • Lift the front of the pelvis and lengthen the tailbone down
• Torso and Spine:
  • Lift the chest up before reaching back
  • Keep the spine long, avoiding compression in the low back
• Arms and Hands:
  • Place hands on the lower back or heels (toes tucked or untucked)
  • Elbows draw toward each other, shoulder blades press in and down
• Head and Neck:
  • Keep the neck neutral or let the head drop back if there’s no strain
  • Gaze can be upward or toward the tip of the nose
• Breath:
  • Inhale to lift and expand the heart; exhale to deepen the opening