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Benefits:
- Like Saddle pose, the Camel deeply arches the sacral/lumbar spine and opens the top of the thighs. There
is less opening in the ankles than the Saddle, but there is still some opening there;
- Stretches the hips' flexors and opens the shoulders - Iyengar says this is excellent for people with
drooping shoulders or hunched backs.
Contra-indications:
- Iyengar claims that the elderly, or people with spinal injuries, can do this pose. However, to be
sure this is safe, seek medical advice if you fit either category;
- Without support, the back can spasm, so people with weak backs may want to do only the gentle versions (see below);
- If you have any neck issues, do not drop head back - keep the chin to the chest.
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Alternatives & Options:
- There are two ways to go into this pose - by holding hands on the hips and keeping the hips forward
as you arch back, or by having the hands on the floor behind you and walking the hands forward
(as shown), until you have reached an edge;
- Dropping back may be unsuitable for people with back problems, because there is little support
from the hands in this version. Do the hands on the floor version instead;
- Walking the hands on the floor toward the feet may be unsuitable for people with knee problems
because there is more pressure in the knees in the early stages of this variation;
- Very flexible students may wish to bring their hands to the floor between the feet, or move the hands toward the knees;
- For less flexible students, the toes can be tucked under and the hands rested on the heels, or on a block between the feet.
Meridians & Organs Affected:
- Urinary Bladder, Kidney and Stomach meridians;
- Sometimes the upper arms and shoulders are stressed, which stimulates the Heart and Lung meridians;
- Thyroid is stimulated, if the neck is dropped back.
Joints Affected:
- The spine, shoulders and ankles.
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Hold for how long?
- One to two minutes at most. [1]
Counter poses?
- Child's Pose … Coming out slowly, lift chest forward, allowing the head to remain dropped
back until the shoulders are over the hips, then bring the head forward and sit back into Child's Pose.
Similar to?
- Ustrasana (ustra means camel).
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1 -- This is a very yang-like pose and requires a lot of leg strength in
the full posture, or if your hands are on your hips or lower back. In the supported pose, with the hands
on the floor or on your legs or feet, you may stay longer, as you can rest on your arms.
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