‘Ustra’ in Sanskrit means ‘camel’. Camels are called ships of the desert for a reason. Not only they travel from one end of the desert to another, they can easily carry more than a couple of hundred kilograms on their backs while walking. Their lungs are so strong that they are able to comfortably handle such walking. Performing Camel Pose stretches the chest and improves lungs’ elasticity and thereby strengthening the lungs.
Other Benefits of Camel Pose
- The pose increases spine flexibility.
- It stimulates functions of abdominal organs..
- It strengthens shoulders.
- Regular practice of the pose relieves neck and back pain.
- It is an effective yoga pose for insomnia.
- The pose relieves stress.
Instructions
- Kneel down on the mat. Maintain hip-width space between your legs.
- Knees should be aligned to your hips.
- Inhale as you bend backwards.
- Hold the right ankle with your right hand and the left ankle with the left. Alternately, you can place your palms on your feet.
- With the thighs straight bend backwards as much as possible.
- Drop your head backwards so your chin is up facing the ceiling
- Hold the pose for 20 seconds.
Note
Those with severe spine conditions should refrain from practicing the pose.
Yoga Pose for Day 32 – Boat Pose (Navasana)
‘Nava’ in Sanskrit means ‘boat’. Since the pose resembles the shape of a boat, it is named thus. Just as a boat maintains balance on water, the pose helps to maintain body’s balance. This is achieved by the stimulation of Solar Plexus chakra and Sacral chakra. Proper functioning of these two chakras promotes self-esteem, self-confidence and determination. These traits
Yoga Pose for Day 30 – Psychic Union Pose (Yogamudrasana)
Yogamudra is the practice of mudra while in asana. Psychic Union Pose as Yogamudra is called in English, regulates flow of psychic energy. It also acts as a channel to communicate the activities of the brain that correspond with outer organs to respective organs.
Yoga Pose for Day 29 – Seated Mountain Pose (Parvatasana)
‘Parvata’ in Sanskrit means ‘mountain’. It is believed to have acquired the name as the body resembles the shape of mountain while in the pose. Downward Facing Dog Pose is also called Parvatasana. The spine gets strengthened and stable and the body gets strong with regular practice of Seated Mountain Pose.
