VRIKSHASANA / TREE POSE

Vrikshasana / Tree Pose:

The word Vikshansana is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Vriksha’ which means tree in English and ‘asana’ which means Posture. As its name defines how the posture resembles a strongly rooted tree. This is one of my favorite asana, as when you do this asana, it looks sturdy, balanced and graceful like a strong tree.

It is mainly a balancing posture, and its main benefits are improving balance and enhancing the nervous system. When you balance, you are forced to focus your mind, and as you focus, you will realize you are balancing.

Steps to Perform Vrikshasana:

· Stand in Tadasana.

· Lift the right leg up and place the sole of the right leg on the inside of the left thigh close to the groin with the toe pointing down

· Now raise your hands up with your comfort and at the same time give a good upward stretch to your body by lifting it up from the sides. Then join the palms on top.

· Stretch up the hands as for as possible. Hold as long as you can while breathing deeply.

· Fix your eyesight on some fixed point in your front and focus. This will help you to maintain balance.

· Hold the pose as long as you can.

· Now repeat the same with other leg.

For Beginners:

· If you find it difficult to bring the left foot above the right knee you can place the foot below the knee

· Never place your foot on the knee

· Initially it might be hard to stay steady and balanced. You could practice asana by holding the wall.

Steps to unfold Vrikshasana

· Slowly bring the hands down and then bring down the right leg on the floor next to your left leg.

· Back to the Tadasana

Note: Eyes should be open while doing any balancing pose

Benefits of Vrikshasana:

· Improves balance and stability of the legs

· Helps Strengthen Ligaments and tendon of the feet

· Strengthens and tones the entire standing leg, up to the Glutens

· It Strengthens the Joints and bones and tones the arms as well

· Very beneficial for Kids as its helps building focus and concentration

· Makes mind sharper and less prone to meandering

· Improves body posture

· Enables mental performance

· Builds self-confidence and self-esteem

· It also helps prevent the onset of diseases like Parkinson’s and

Alzheimer’s

· It reduces the risk of sciatica

Do’s and Donts of Vrikshasana/ Tree pose:

Do’s

· Prepare the body for asana practice. Hence it should be performed by the practitioner before the yoga asana.

· It should be practiced empty stomach or minimum gap of 4 hours between the meal and the practice.

· It should be practiced on the yoga mat chatai or blanket.

Don’ts

Those who suffer from high blood pressure should not raise their arms above the head for a long period of time. They can be held at the chest in the ‘anjali ‘ mudra (hands folded in prayer). It is best that you avoid practicing this pose if you suffer from insomnia or migraine.

Disclaimer:

Please take note that the effects of Vrikshasana / Tree pose may vary from person to person. The above benefits are a guideline as it has been observed by many practitioners. The exercises mentioned herein are not meant to replace any medical advice, medication, therapy that you may be getting or may have been