Vrikshasana | Vrksasana | Tree pose
Vriksha - Tree; Asana - Pose
The asana is pronounced as VRIK-shAH-sana
This posture replicates the graceful, steady stance of a tree. Unlike most yoga poses, the Tree Pose requires keeping our eyes open in order to maintain body balance. In Vrikshasana, the weight of the entire body is shifted to one leg, strengthening that leg. The entire posture requires a good sense of balance and once mastered, gives a sense of confidence and steadiness. ↑
Precaution of vrikshasana
- Avoid doing this posture if you are suffering from migraine, insomnia, low or high blood pressure (those with high blood pressure may do this pose but without raising their hands overhead, as this may further raise their blood pressure).
- Avoid for Acute knee problems.
- Avoid for Hip injury.
- Take care to maintain balance. ↑
Procedure of vrikshasana
- Stand tall and straight with arms by the side of your body.
- Bend your right knee and place the right foot high up on your left thigh. The sole of the foot should be placed flat and firmly near the root of the thigh.
- Make sure that your left leg is straight. Find your balance.
- Once you are well balanced, take a deep breath in, gracefully raise your arms over your head from the side, and bring your palms together in ‘Namaste’ mudra (hands-folded position).
- Look straight ahead in front of you, at a distant object. A steady gaze helps maintain a steady balance.
- Ensure that your spine is straight. Your entire body should be taut, like a stretched elastic band. Keep taking in long deep breaths. With each exhalation, relax the body more and more. Just be with the body and the breath with a gentle smile on your face.
- With slow exhalation, gently bring down your hands from the sides. You may gently release the right leg.
- Stand tall and straight as you did at the beginning of the posture. Repeat this pose with the left leg off the ground on the right thigh. ↑
Benefits of vrikshasana
- This pose leaves you in a state of rejuvenation. It stretches the legs, back and arms, and invigorates you.
- It brings balance and equilibrium to your mind.
- It helps improve concentration.
- This posture has been found to relieve some cases of sciatica.
- It makes the legs strong, improves balance, and opens the hips.
- Helps those who are suffering from sciatica.
- It stretches the entire body from toes to fingers, thus invigorates you.
- It gives tranquillity to your mind thus good for those who are facing the problem of depression and anxiety.
- It increases your stamina, concentration and immunity.
- It is good for your hips as it helps to open it.
- It is beneficial for those who are experiencing sciatica. But one should practice it under the supervision of a yoga expert.
- It enhances the flexibility of legs, back and chest muscles.
- It makes your ankle stronger.
- It is also good for your knees. The person who is having knee problems should perform it.
- It strengthens thighs and calves.
- It gives suitable stretching to the groins.
- Person suffering from flat feet should practice it.
- It makes you more focused and concentrated.
- By practicing this asana, the ligaments and tendons of the feet gets strengthen.
- It is also good for pelvic region.
- It develops esteem and self-confidence.
- It calms and relaxes the central nervous system.
- It helps to cure rheumatic pain and also treats numbness. ↑
