The name "Camatkarasana" comes from the Sanskrit word "camatkara," which means "wonder" or "amazement," and "asana," which means "pose." Camatkarasana is also known as Wild Thing pose, is an intermediate-level yoga posture that involves a deep backbend and a strong opening of the chest. It is an energizing and uplifting pose that helps to strengthen the arms, shoulders, and core while opening the heart and stretching the hips.
Camatkarasana is a popular pose in many styles of yoga, including Vinyasa, Power Yoga, and Hatha Yoga. It is often practiced as a part of a sequence of poses, such as in a sun salutation, or as a standalone pose to build strength, flexibility, and balance.
How To Perform Camatkarasana (Wild Thing)
Begin in Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog pose) with your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet hip-width apart. Take a few breaths here to ground yourself.
Shift your weight onto your left hand and foot, and lift your right leg up towards the sky, coming into Three-Legged Dog pose.
Exhale and bend your right knee, bringing it towards your left tricep. Keep your shoulders squared and your elbows close to your body.
Inhale and lift your right leg up and extend it towards the ceiling, coming into a high plank position.
As you exhale, begin to roll onto the outer edge of your left foot and lift your left hand off the ground, reaching your right foot and right hand towards the sky.
Allow your head to drop back and gaze towards your right fingertips. Keep your left arm straight and strong, and engage your core to maintain balance.
Take a few deep breaths in this pose, feeling the opening in your chest and the stretch in your hip flexors.
To come out of the pose, slowly release your right hand and right foot back down to the ground, returning to Three-Legged Dog pose.
Repeat on the other side.
Modifications
If you have trouble balancing, you can practice with your foot against a wall for support.
If you have wrist pain, you can practice the pose on your forearm instead of your hand.
If you have tight hips, you can place a block under your bottom hand to raise the ground level.
Benefits
Strengthens and tones the arms, shoulders, and core.
Stretches the chest, hips, and thighs.
Improves balance and coordination.
Energizes the body and mind.
Stimulates the Manipura (solar plexus) chakra.
Contraindications
Avoid practicing if you have wrist, shoulder, or neck injuries.
Avoid if you have high blood pressure or heart problems.
Avoid if you are pregnant.
Chakras
Camatkarasana stimulates the Manipura (solar plexus) chakra, which is located in the upper abdomen and is associated with personal power, self-esteem, and confidence.
Doshas
Camatkarasana is beneficial for balancing the Kapha dosha, which tends to be heavy and stagnant, as the pose is energizing and invigorating.
Drishti
The drishti, or gaze, in Camatkarasana is towards the top hand, which helps to maintain balance and focus.
History Of Camatkarasana (Wild Thing)
The history of Camatkarasana, also known as Wild Thing pose, is not well-documented as it is a relatively new asana in the practice of yoga. The pose is believed to have originated in the modern era of yoga, likely in the late 20th century or early 21st century.
The name "Camatkarasana" comes from the Sanskrit word "camatkara," which means "wonder" or "amazement," and "asana," which means "pose." The name suggests that the pose is intended to create a sense of wonder and awe in the practitioner.
While the exact origin of the pose is unclear, it is likely that it was developed by yoga teachers or practitioners as a way to add variety and challenge to the practice of yoga. As with many modern yoga poses, Camatkarasana may have been inspired by traditional yoga postures, such as Chakrasana (Wheel pose) or Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow pose), but with variations and modifications to create a unique pose with its own benefits and challenges.
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