Ustrasana (Camel Pose) – Best Asana For Memory Power

Ustrasana (Camel Pose Yoga) Steps & Benefits

One of the top backward bending Yoga Poses, Ustrasana derives its name from the word ‘Ustra’ which means Camel, and ‘asana’ which means posture.  The final pose of this Yoga asana resembles a camel. And so is the name Ustrasana. To keep the mind sharp, to sharpen and enhance the memory power, this Yoga asana is most recommended. The practice of Ustrasana strengthens the nervous system, improves digestion, makes the lungs healthier, and boosts self-confidence. It also adds flexibility and strength to the body. The asana can be recommended as Yoga for children and yoga for back pain.

 Ustrasana (Camel Pose) Steps 

• Spread a Yoga Mat and sit in Vajrasana on it.
• Stand on the knees with the arms by the side.
• Let there be some comfortable gap between the knees and feet.
• The soles of both feet should face the ceiling.
• Raise both arms, keeping them parallel to each other and also keeping them parallel to the floor.
• This is the starting position.
• Raise the right arm taking it over the head.
• Lean backward and take the arm backward, slowly reaching for the right heel with the right hand.
• Raise the left arm also first over the head and then backward, as done with the right hand, reaching for the left heel with the left hand.
• Do not strain.
• Push the hips forward, till the thighs make a right angle with the floor.
• Bend the spine and head backward as far as is comfortable.
• Let the head hang freely, loosening the neck muscles.
• Become aware of the whole body and relax it, particularly the back muscles.
• The body is supported equally by arms and legs.
• This is the final position.
• Remain in the final position for some 30 seconds.
• Breathing should be normal.
• Return to the starting position with the arms again coming in front one by one.
• Sit in Vajrasana, close your eyes, and relax.

Camel Pose for Beginners

• Beginners may place a cushion below the knees to make the pose easier to perform initially.
• If difficult to reach to heels, they can start by putting both hands on the waist and then bend backward.

Ustrasana (Camel Pose) contraindications

People with High Blood Pressure, Vertigo, and severe back ailments such as Lumbago should either avoid this asana or do it under the guidance of a competent Yoga Teacher.

Ustrasana Benefits

• This asana is very good for the mind and memory power.
• Ustrasana, the Camel Posture stretches the stomach and intestine, and hence alleviates Constipation.
• It is one of the back stretches, which loosens the vertebrae, stimulating the spinal nerves.
• Ustrasana is very good for back pain and rounded shoulders.
• It stretches the lungs and is a very good yoga pose for Asthma.
• The stretch so provided to the neck is good for all the organs of the throat region including the thyroid gland.
• The practice of Ustrasana strengthens the nervous system and boosts self-confidence.

Backward bending asanas stimulate and rejuvenate the nervous system. When practiced slowly and with a rhythm, backward bend Yoga Poses like Ustrasana develop the strength to deal with the stress. This asana trains the mind to remain neutral and balanced under adverse and tough conditions.

Ustrasana is a backward bending pose and it is important to follow this pose with a forward bending pose like Shashankasana, Paschimottanasana, or even Naman Pranamasana.

Ustrasana is also best recommended for children when they enter their teenage as it is very good for their mind, memory power, and posture improvement, boosting their self-confidence.