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Backbend Asana · Elementary (Level 2) · Catalog #800243

Camel on Blocks Ustrasana (blocks)

Camel with blocks beside the ankles to shorten the reach. Lets the chest open before the spine has to.

Practice Camel on Blocks (Ustrasana (blocks)) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
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Camel on Blocks (Ustrasana (blocks)) — Backbend Yoga Posture Illustration

Camel on Blocks (Ustrasana (blocks)) — Backbend posture targeting Hip Flexors, Chest, Quads · Even ujjayi breath · Upward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Mildly Increases (+1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Ustrasana (blocks)
Posture Family
Backbend
Difficulty
Elementary (Level 2)
Recommended Hold
30 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Upward
Target Muscles
Hip Flexors, Chest, Quads
Energy Expenditure
3.2 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Camel on Blocks

Camel on Blocks (Ustrasana (blocks)) belongs to the Backbend posture family and engages the Hip Flexors, Chest, Quads at an intensity of approximately 3.2 METs. Camel with blocks beside the ankles to shorten the reach. Lets the chest open before the spine has to.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 30-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Upward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Hip Flexors, Chest, Quads.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 8 years (96 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Mildly Increases (+1) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 30 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Neck injury
  • Low back injury

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