Uṣṭrāsana — the camel posture. The camel is a symbol of endurance, of capacity to cross deserts, of storing resources for difficult times.

“Destroyer of the impurities of the body.” The backward arch completely opens the chest, expanding the lungs and stimulating the thymus and thyroid gland.

It is a posture of controlled vulnerability: the neck exposed, the heart open. It requires confidence and back strength. It is the ideal counterposture for forward folds.