Revolved Camel Yoga Pose

Parivrtta Ustrasana

Revolved Camel Yoga Pose
overview

Revolved Camel Yoga Pose is a backbend pose that targets the quads and shoulders and is ideal for yogis and yoginis at an intermediate to advanced level.

anahata – the heart chakra
visuddha – the throat chakra
sahasrara – the crown chakra
related poses

intermediate, advanced | backbend | shoulders, quads

[yoga-sharrre]

[yoga-tags]

How To Do Revolved Camel Yoga Pose
  1. Begin in the Hero Pose (Virasana), knees bent underneath you. Reach your hands back to rest on the soles of your feet.
  2. Exhale and lift your pelvis up and away from your feet, tucking your tailbone in as your move your upper body forward. Bring your upper legs perpendicular to the floor, keeping your shins and feet firmly planted on the mat. Both hands should be firmly gripped on the feet.
  3. As you lift, pull up on your navel and feel your back naturally begin to arch. Keeping a firm hold on your right foot, reach your left arm up and toward the ceiling. Extend through the arm and out of the fingertips, reaching up without lifting your hips, legs or feet. As you lift, your body will twist slightly; be sure to keep your hips square as you try to align your shoulders vertically.
  4. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds, gazing up at the thumb of your left arm. Exhale as you lower your arm back to your feet, then repeat the steps on the other side. Finish by returning to the Hero Pose.
Notes
  • Breathe deeply through each step.
  • Do not attempt if you have high blood pressure (hypertension).
  • Avoid this pose if you suffer from insomnia or migraines.
  • Though this pose can relieve mild backache, performing it too deeply or incorrectly can result in back or neck injury. Do not perform this asana without guidance, especially if you are prone to pain in the back or neck.
Tips

If this pose is too difficult or your muscles are too tight to perform this asana fully, try placing your hands on the mat instead of the feet, bringing the pelvis down a bit.
To reduce the pressure of the weight on your knees, try placing a folded blanket under them as you practice this asana. This is especially beneficial if you have weak or recovering knees, but is also nice if you want to comfortably focus on the back stretch.

Stretches & Strengthens

All Muscles: Quads, abs, ankles, groin, shoulders, hip flexors

Target Muscles: Quads, shoulders

Health Benefits of Revolved Camel Yoga Pose
  • Improves posture.
  • Stimulates digestive organs.
  • Can relieve mild back pain and menstrual discomfort.
  • Improves blood circulation.
  • Can help symptoms of asthma and other respiratory ailments.
  • Can relieve anxiety, stress and fatigue.

Sanskrit Name & Meaning

Sanskrit Name & Meaning

Parivrtta Ustrasana

(par-EE-vrt-tah oosh-TRAHS-anna)

parivrtta: turned around, revolved
ustra: camel
asana: posture

History & Mythology

History & Mythology


There’s gotta be some history or mythology on this pose! We’ve looked high and low and have only come up with this message. Perhaps you have some information or resource for us to explore?

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