Wild Thing Pose - Camatkarasana

Looking for a challenging pose in yoga? Then, try challenge pose itself. This pose is also known as wild thing pose. In Sanskrit it is named as Camatkarasana. This pose helps in strengthening  wrists, arms, and shoulders opens psoas muscles of lumbar region. It also enhances breathing by opening the chest and stretching both sides of body. While doing this pose concentrate your mind on every inch of your body, because you are going to perform wild thing, by flipping your entire body.  Caution to be taken care: do not bend the elbow or wrist—allowing it to lift some of the weight off the lower arm and suggestion is to perform this pose in presence of a yoga instructor – HealthyLife.

Cmatkarasana = cah-maht-KRAHS-anna, Pose type: Back bend, balance, heart opener

BENEFITS

1. Opens the chest and shoulders
2. Stretches and strengthens the back muscles
3. Opens the hip flexors
4. Invigorates the body and mind
5. Relieves fatigue

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Back, spinal, or rotator cuff injuries
• High blood pressure
• Headache

HOW TO

1. Begin in Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog). Reach your right leg toward the sky.
2. Bend your right knee and stack your right hip on top of your left. Shift your shoulders above your wrists.
3. Flip yourself over and slowly lower your right toes to the floor. Come onto the ball of your right foot with your right knee partially bent.
4. Your right arm will naturally lift from the ground. Reach it forward and slightly down. Lift your hips toward the sky. Relax your neck.
5. Stay in the pose for several breaths. Flip yourself over to return to Downward-Facing Dog. Change sides.

MODIFY OR REPLACE

• Dhanurasana (Bow pose)
• Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance pose)

TEACHING CUES

1. Draw your shoulder blades onto your back.
2. Lift your hips toward the sky.

VARIATIONS

• Reach both hands to the floor to transition into Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel pose).

WATCH OUT FOR

• Collapsing into the bottom arm

This article republished here with permission from https://beyogi.com/poses