Camel Pose - Ustrasana
Standing Backbends - Kneeling Poses
Camel Pose can be a challenging backbend to do correctly as it relies on proper management of core muscles more so than most other backbends. The engagement of the transverse abdominis (uddiyana bandha) is essential to maintain lift and avoid compression of the low back. It may not be apparent also that the use of the legs greatly aids the pose. Creating actions of pressing down through the knees and the feet will further stabilize the pelvis.
When learning the pose or warming up to it, it's good to keep the chin down and focus more on the lift of the abdomen and engaging the back muscles to literally open the chest. Drawing the shoulder blades in towards each other can also be added to broaden across the chest laterally. After this movement is natural you can then start to move forward through the hips and back with the head. To become more aware of the stretch in the pose observe the length from the knees to the hip joints, the upper thighs to the lower back, the hip crest to the ribs, the pubic bone to the navel, the navel to the sternum, sternum to the clavicular notch, and the notch to the chin. All of these areas lengthen and the more you can integrate these stretches into one big line of stretch while monitoring through a steady and relaxed breath, the better.
When learning the pose or warming up to it, it's good to keep the chin down and focus more on the lift of the abdomen and engaging the back muscles to literally open the chest. Drawing the shoulder blades in towards each other can also be added to broaden across the chest laterally. After this movement is natural you can then start to move forward through the hips and back with the head. To become more aware of the stretch in the pose observe the length from the knees to the hip joints, the upper thighs to the lower back, the hip crest to the ribs, the pubic bone to the navel, the navel to the sternum, sternum to the clavicular notch, and the notch to the chin. All of these areas lengthen and the more you can integrate these stretches into one big line of stretch while monitoring through a steady and relaxed breath, the better.