Sonnalli Seygall suggests doing this ‘to instantly release negative emotions’

She further mentioned that Ustrasana or Camel Pose is one of her favourite heart openers which helps strengthens all hamstrings, glutes, and abdomen. “Try it next time you need to release yourself emotionally,” she said.

 

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Agreeing, Dr Narendra Shetty, Chief Wellness Officer, Kshemavana said that this popular yoga posture offers numerous benefits to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of practising Ustrasana, according to Dr Shetty.

*Stretches the front of your body: Ustrasana is an excellent pose to stretch the front of your body, including your chest, abdomen, and hip flexors. This helps to improve your posture, reduce lower back pain, and promote healthy digestion.

*Opens up your heart chakra: Ustrasana is also known as a heart-opening pose, as it helps to activate your heart chakra, which is associated with feelings of love, compassion, and emotional balance.

*Improves respiratory function: By stretching your chest and lungs, Ustrasana can help to improve your breathing capacity and increase the supply of oxygen to your body.

*Stimulates the nervous system: Ustrasana also stimulates your nervous system, which can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

*Increases energy and vitality: By opening up your chest and improving your breathing, Ustrasana can help increase your energy and vitality levels, leaving you feeling more alert and focused.

How to perform Ustrasana or Camel Pose?

To perform this pose, follow these steps:

Camel pose has several mental and physical benefits (Source: Pexels)

*Kneel on the floor with your knees hip-width apart, keeping your thighs perpendicular to the floor. Place your hands on your hips.
*Inhale and arch your back, bringing your chest forward and lifting your heart towards the ceiling.
*As you exhale, slowly begin to lower your hands towards your heels, keeping your hips directly over your knees. You can place your hands on your lower back for support if needed.
*Continue to lift your chest towards the ceiling as you gently press your hips forward. You should feel a deep stretch in your chest and abdomen.
*Hold the pose for 30-60 seconds, breathing deeply and slowly. To come out of the pose, bring your hands back to your hips and slowly lift your torso back up.

Contraindications

While Ustrasana can offer many benefits, Dr Shetty highlighted that it may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some people who should avoid practising it:

*If you have a neck injury or high blood pressure, you should avoid dropping your head back and instead keep your chin tucked in towards your chest.
*If you have a knee injury, you should avoid kneeling on the floor and instead perform a modified version of the pose using a chair.
*Pregnant women should avoid practising Ustrasana, especially in the later stages of pregnancy, as it can put pressure on the abdomen and cause discomfort.
*If you have any other medical conditions or concerns, it’s best to consult with a qualified yoga teacher or healthcare professional before attempting Ustrasana.

“Ustrasana or Camel Pose is a powerful yoga posture that can offer many benefits to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By practising this pose regularly and safely, you can improve your posture, increase your energy and vitality, and cultivate feelings of love, compassion, and emotional balance,” he concluded by saying.

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