Abundant Rewards Of Practicing The Tree Pose Or `Vrikshasana’ — Yoga Part II
A yoga asana that is just as powerful as it is visually appealing is the `Vrikshasana’. Pictures of a figure in this pose atop a mountain have fascinated me.
I associate `Vrikshasan’ or tree pose with a lush, green magnanimous tree of life that bears beautiful fruits, gives us shade, and protects us. It is my favorite yoga pose and is very effective.
The meaning of `vriksha’ in Sanskrit is tree. As the pose resembles a tree, it is aptly named Vrikshasana.
While it is not very easy to stand on one leg and balance initially. Now I have mastered this craft and feel satisfied doing it properly.
Sharing my yoga knowledge, including benefits, steps, and safety precautions for the tree pose.
A bit of ego comes into play when you see others able to grasp and do things correctly while you may be struggling to maintain equilibrium or falling. It’s not just for yoga, but for any aspect of life.
Isn’t it this feeling that propels us to better our skills?
Vrikshasana involves standing on one foot, with the other leg bent and its sole resting on the inner thigh of the standing leg. Maintaining this posture for 30 seconds to a minute is ideal. Though yogis can do it longer.
Advantages of Vrikshasana
Improved balance and posture
Enhance flexibility of the body
Cures insomnia
Mental clarity
A step-by-step Guide on how to do Vrikshasana
- This pose begins with a tall and upright standing position, with both hands resting gracefully at the sides of the body.
- Gently bend your right leg at the knee and place your right foot high up on the inner thigh of your left leg.
- Ensure that the sole of the right foot rests flat and securely against the inner thigh of the left leg, forming a 90-degree angle from the floor.
- Keep the left leg straight while focusing on maintaining your balance.
- Take a deep breath while raising both your hands above the head, extending them from the sides and joining both the palms together, forming a namaste.
- Be there. Focus! Inhale and exhale deeply for at least 30 seconds to a minute.
- Afterwards, gradually lower your hands back to the sides and gently release your right leg. Repeat the same sequence of movements on the other side.
Let’s further explore the multiple usefulness of Vrikshasana -
Enhances balance and stability by challenging you to stand on one leg.
Improves concentration as you have to maintain the pose while paying close attention to your breathing and alignment.
Enhances flexibility, improves posture, strengthens and tones leg muscles. Thus leading to a reduction in chronic and back pain.
A good stature surely boosts self-confidence.
Improves blood circulation and prevents cardiovascular diseases and related conditions.
Its stress reduction and relaxation benefits help resolve mental health issues, insomnia, and hypertension.
Certain cautions have to be adopted while performing Vrikshasana to prevent injury or fall.
It is very common to face problems while doing this asana as a beginner.
Here’s what you can do initially:
- Take the support of a wall.
- If you encounter difficulty in positioning the soles of the feet on the upper thigh. Consider placing it on the lower thigh or below wherever is comfortable.
- Hands can be on the waist instead of stretching it above the head.
- Perform such postures under the guidance of a qualified instructor initially. Consult a yoga expert.
- Don’t over-strain yourself. Do as per your body’s capacity.
The secret is to practice regularly to reap full benefits of this wellness technique!
Click on the link below to read my other yoga blog, which is about core strengthening exercises:
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