Flip Your Dog into Wild Thing (Camatkarasana)

August Pose of the Month

Camatkarasana – Wild Thing or Rock Star

Level: 1

According to Yoga Journal the poetic translation of Camatkarasana is “The ecstatic unfolding of the enraptured heart”, and this is exactly how it feels to me.

I know for a lot of bodies it might not feel this way at first and I remember the first time a yoga teacher introduced this to me, myself and the whole class just laughed and I thought not a hope! That was probably about 8 years ago, and now it’s one of my favourites, I almost always include in my own home practice, its never planned it just seems to find its way in there and it makes me feel light, open and alive.

There are two main ways to get move in Camatkarasana; the easiest way is from Vasisthasana (Side Plank) and the other way, when you get used to the shape and feel of the pose and as you build your self trust in Wild Thing, then you can into it from Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog)

ENERGETIC AND EMOTIONAL BENEFITS

  • Energises the whole body

  • Brings a sense of calm and peace to the mind

 

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

  • Opens hips

  • Stretches chest, throat and upper back

  • Opens the shoulders

  • Improves spinal flexibility

  • Builds strength in arms, shoulders and back

  • Boosts Lung performance

  • Promotes blood circulation

CAN BE THERAPEUTIC FOR:

  • Mild depression

  • Fatigue

CAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Shoulder Injuries particularly rotator cuff

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Back Injuries

Building Strength in side plank for Wild Thing

 

HINTS AND TIPS

  • Move Mindfully and slowly as if in slow motion

  • Distribute the weight evenly through all four limbs

  • Firmly tuck shoulder blades into your back to help avoid sinking into the shoulder

  • Try not to hold your breathe consciously into the back ribs to stay light

Camatkarasana is a blend of backbending, arm balancing, hip opening and core strengthening, with this in mind it should be entered into with mindful awareness, playfulness, and a joyful expression of your own heart and inner strength. Camatkarasana inspires you to let go and be open but at the same time encourages you to stay grounded and supported by the earth beneath you. Press down to lift up and expand.

#armbalance #PoseiftheMonth #WildThing #Camatkaraasana #backbendinghipopener #CoreStrengthening

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