what is the yoga asana for joy comes?
I will tell the truth that on some occasions I have felt somewhat low, somewhat out of that natural, airy feeling of joy. You experience it, when you are happier than other people but happiness is not something you can readily access. This time I was in one of these slumps when my yoga teacher was talking about a particular pose, almost incidentally. She termed it the pose of ecstasy.
My ears perked up. Was there joy asana ( pose )? I did not believe it, though I was desperate in need of a shift. I got into the research and, more to the point, my practice, to find it out. What I learned was not only an easy solution but also a deep lesson about the way our bodies are able to directly affect our minds. The solution to the question of what is the yoga asana of joy comes is not some mystical secret. It is a strong, easy, and scientifically-supported stance that has become my non-negotiable object to a happiness reset: it is known as Ustrasana or Camel Pose.
The study by the 2017 edition of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine offers some hard data to support this ancient wisdom. The participants were made to continue a routine yoga practice by the researchers and a significant correlation between backbending poses such as Camel Pose and the immediate changes in feelings and energy were found.
The research speculated that these poses can be used to activate the autonomic nervous system in a manner that brings about alertness and produces a positive affective state- fancy words which mean simply to feel good. This was not spiritualism, it was physiology. I had my own experience, which served as a case study of my own. The initial Camel Pose that I had was visceral the first time I did it in a full pose. It was not a mere stretch, it was an emotional discharge.
Why Camel Pose Is your Gateway to Joy.
Why then such magic in this pose? It is everything concerning a peculiar mixture of physical and energetic activity that occurs simultaneously.
First, let’s talk anatomy. The pose of the camel is an extreme heart-opener. By hunching over the phones and computers, we are literally sealing the chest, which the body may perceive as either a defensive or a sad stance. This pattern may be reversed by vigorously throwing the hips in an arching motion and thrusting them forward. We stretch out the whole front of the body, and chiefly the chest cavity. This is physical enlargement which docs two marvellous things:
It Enhances Breathing: Open chest makes your lungs inflate completely. The deeper and more effective breathing implies that you have more oxygen in your blood, and it combats drowsiness and brain fog directly. It’s an instant energizer.
It Massages the Nervous System: This opening of the front body activates the nerves on the spine connected to the sympathetic nervous system (which is our get up and go system), and the vagus nerve which plays a vital role in relaxing the body. It is an exceptional combination of stimulation and rest.
More subtly, in Ayurveda and yoga philosophy, the heart center (Anahata Chakra) is regarded as the center of love, joy and connection. When this space is literally narrowed, we think that out of it we can be choked off in getting these pleasant emotions. We are literally and symbolically making room to bring joy into our lives by opening the heart center in Camel Pose. We are literally posing our body into a position of receptivity and boldness.
Your Stepwise Guide to Happy and Secure Camel Pose.
By this time I guess what you are thinking. “Bending backwards? That looks intense!” I thought the same thing. The point is to deal with it gradually and with aids. I was not able to get into the full position weeks later, and that is not bad. The action and intention are what give it the benefits, and not the attainment of a flawless Instagram-worthy arc.
Setting Up:
Locate a place to sit down and place a yoga mat to cushion. A yoga block or a thick book and perhaps a folded blanket, too.
Start by kneeling on your mat spacing your knees hip wide. Place your hands on your hips.
Important Action: Tuck in your toes. This will give your lower back stability and security. The further up you get the more you can attempt it with your feet level on the floor.
Moving Into the Pose:
Connect Your Core: Breathe in, and pull your belly button towards your spine. Imagine that you are stretching your tailbone down to the floor to make your lower back longer. This is the most significant safety part.
Begin to Lean Back: Starring slowly, begin to lean back with your breath. Your chin should be a little bit tucked in to have a long neck.
Use Your Props: This is the position of the block. You will place your hands on the block one hand at a time, the block must be placed in the medium or tallest position behind your heels. The block is your friend here–makes the floor to you.
Hold and Breathe: As soon as your hands are on the block, you can hang back your head as far as your neck will allow. If not, keep looking forward. Stay in the pose 3-5 deep complete breaths. Touch with your fingers how far you can stretch across the front of your body– in your thighs, belly, chest, and throat.
Come Out Slowly: To come out, move your chin into your chest, press your core tight and then utilize the power of your glutes to push your hips out one by one and get yourself again in an upright kneeling posture. Take a few breaths in Childs Pose to reverse the backbend.
My “Aha!” Moment: I recall the first time I was doing the pose with the block. I was energized and then felt relaxed. and then suddenly I began to laugh. It was an unequivocal, unimpeded, happy laugh. The direct emotional release had been precipitated by the physical release. It was the time I turned into a real believer.
Adaptations and Change to Each Body.
Yoga is beautiful because of its flexibility. The Camel Pose is applicable to all people and not only to those who are super-flexible. Here is the way you can make it work to your advantage:
In case of Tight Shoulders or Quads: Support your hands on your hips or bottom back, but lean back only to the extent that you find comfortable.
To Sensitivity of the knee: lay an unfolded blanket under your knees to give it a cushion.
The Ultimate Supported Version: Have your back straight against a wall. Get on your knees about 3 inches in front of the wall and lean backwards and the wall will support you in everything, and you will feel the sensation of your heart being opened in complete safety.
To a Greater Extent: In case the pose with a block seems comfortable, you may gradually reduce lowering your hands to your heels. This is to be remembered always in your lower back as opposed to the depth of backbend.
Taking Your Joy Pose and Making it a Whole.
Camel Pose is a giant, but it is not that magic pill that you perform alone. I have noticed that its effects are magnified when it is in a sequence. Imagine it is the resolution of a mini-story that you are enacting with your body.
Begin with a few warm-ups such as Cat-Cow to loosen up the spine. Get in other heart openers such as the Cobra or Sphinx Pose. Having practiced Camel Pose, it is necessary to have a counter-pose to calm the body. I then always have it followed by a forward bends such as Childs Pose or a seated bends such as Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend). This brings about a balancing act that makes you feel refreshed and very relaxed.
Beyond the Mat: Carrying the Joy With You.
The magic really takes place when the feeling of the mat begins to trickle into your day-to-day life. The meaning of Camel Pose is the meaning of openness and brave. Having an uninterrupted practice, I felt that I was standing taller and talking more openly and open to the good things in my day. The pose was now a reminder of the physical aspect that I could make a choice of opening up even when I felt like closing up.
Therefore, when you are feeling depressed, frustrated, or simply out of touch with your own light, I do ask you to roll out the mat. Do not subject yourself to abstract questions regarding happiness. Instead, ask your body. Kneel down, open your heart and watch what will happen. Bliss could only be an inspired step or a brave bend backward.
Question and Answer(FAQs)
Q1: I have a bad back. Can I still do Camel Pose?
In case you already have a previous back injury, particularly, in the lumbar region, then you should consult with a physician or a qualified yoga therapist before attempting the Camel Pose. The use of prop and avoid pushing into pain is always necessary.
Q2: What is the time period to be in Camel Pose to experience the benefits?
The most simple way to make a difference in your mood and energy is by taking 3-5 deep and full breaths. The longer you become stronger and more flexible the longer you can hold it, to as long as 30 seconds up to a minute.
Q3: I experience the feeling of being dizzy upon exiting the pose. Is that normal?
A bit of lightheadedness may occur as a result of variation in pressure and the extreme opening. That is why it is so significant to leave the pose extremely gradually and take Child’s Pose directly on that.
Q4: Do we have other yoga poses to make us joyful other than Camel Pose?
Absolutely! Although Camel is an all-star player, other amazing heart-openers and energizing poses are Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana), Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana), Fish Pose (Matsyasana), and even simple and expansive poses as the chest is raised in Warrior I.