27-Dec-2009

Ride the Camel

Save Your Spine

The most common behavior that leads to spinal problems is an undue amount of sitting. Whether working or vegging in front of the television, your discs (the cartilage between vertebrae) end up getting compressed, causing a loss of circulation and eventually degeneration. This fun, simple exercise, known as camel pose, allows the discs to shift and open up to an enhanced flow of blood and oxygen.

Put your hands on your thighs, inhale and extend your chest up and out, lengthening your entire spine. Exhale and flex your spine in the opposite direction, in a slouching motion, moving the navel toward the spine itself. Repeat this motion, inhaling and extending the spine forward, and exhaling, lengthening it back. Continue for 1-3 minutes, and don’t forget to imagine yourself on a Camel Ride! When you are done, inhale deeply and hold the breath. With eyes closed watch the energy you have created flowing up the spine, bringing vitality and releasing stress. Exhale and repeat the breath three times. You’re now ready to sit and meditate or go back to work relaxed and energized.

Video demonstration: Camel Ride

Recommended Read: Gotta Minute? Yoga For Health and Relaxation by Nirvair Singh Khalsa