If You Are Introvert and Shy, Ustrasana Can Help You Open Up
Ustrasana (Camel Pose) is one of the backward bend poses. When we open up, we gradually transform from being introvert to extrovert and shed shyness which can hamper our growth. Although being introvert is not a bad thing in itself, but that should be a choice instead of being afraid to face the world. When we are more open we become more receptive to new ideas, thoughts and take up challenges of life with more open mind and expect success instead of failure. Backward bending poses open up upper front region of the body physically as well as opens up the person spiritually and mentally.
People are not used to bending backwards and feel afraid to try it out initially. I was also afraid for quite some time in the beginning but trying it out eventually made it easier for me to practice this pose. This pose stretches the front portion of the body and you need strength on the front of the legs. You front region including the heart and belly are exposed which helps you opening up.
How to Practice Ustrasana?
Notes :
A deeper stretch can be achieved by separating the knees slightly wider at the outset.
Beginners can practice easier version by only holding one of the opposite toes and raising the other hand at around 60 degrees.
Benefits Of Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
People are not used to bending backwards and feel afraid to try it out initially. I was also afraid for quite some time in the beginning but trying it out eventually made it easier for me to practice this pose. This pose stretches the front portion of the body and you need strength on the front of the legs. You front region including the heart and belly are exposed which helps you opening up.
How to Practice Ustrasana?
- Sit in Vajrasana on a cushioned mat.
- Stand on the knees. If the knees hurt while the weight is on them, try to use a blanket below the mat.
- Hold the right ankle with one right hand.
- Lower the body and hold the left ankle with the left hand.
- Let the throat stretch by pushing your head towards the legs.
- Stay in this for around 15 to 30 seconds and come out of it with exhalation.
- Rest in Hare pose (Shashanka Asana) for a some time breaths.
Notes :
A deeper stretch can be achieved by separating the knees slightly wider at the outset.
Beginners can practice easier version by only holding one of the opposite toes and raising the other hand at around 60 degrees.
Benefits Of Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
- Stretches the front of the body including the chest, abdomen, and quadriceps. Improves spinal flexibility.
- This asana can be used to improve the body posture and drooping shoulders.
- Helps eliminate toxins by expanding the surface area of the Kidneys due to stretch. If this asana is done immediately after forward bend like Janu Shirsasana which compresses the kidneys it is more beneficial to kidneys.
- Back is strengthened which helps avoid back problems
- Can used as therapy for Asthma patients, lung diseases and bronchial problems.
