Vriksasana or Tree Pose is an asana. Sanskrit: वृक्षासन; Vriksha – Tree, Asana – Pose; Pronounced as – vrik-SHAHS-anna
This posture is a close replica of the steady, yet graceful stance of a tree.The name comes from the Sanskrit words vriksa or vriksha (वृक्ष, vṛkṣa) meaning “tree”, and asana (आसन) meaning “posture”. For this pose, unlike most other yoga poses, you are required to keep your eyes open so that your body can balance itself. This asana has a host of benefits.
What You Should Know Before You Do The Vrikshasana
It is best to practice tree pose yoga on an empty stomach. There must be a minimum of four to six hours between your meal and the practice. This will give your body enough time to digest the food and energize your body, making it ready for activity.
However, it might be ideal to perform the Vrikshasana in the morning. This asana involves focus and concentration, and it is best to channelize this in the morning when your mind is clear of the worries and stress from the happenings of the day.
Level: Beginner
Style: Hatha Yoga
Repetitions: 1 Minute On Each Leg – Repeat 5 Times On Each Leg
Strengthens: Ankles, Thighs, Calves, Vertebral column
Stretches: Groin, Thighs, Shoulders, Thorax
How To Do Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
Contraindications And Precautions Of Vrikshasana
While practicing this yoga tree pose, you must ensure that the sole of the lifted foot is placed preferably above or, in some cases, below the standing knee, but never beside it. Placing the foot beside the knee puts pressure on the knee as it does not flex parallel to the frontal plane.
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.
It is best that you avoid practicing this pose if you suffer from insomnia or migraine.
Beginners Tips For Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
In the beginning, you might find it difficult to bring the left foot above the right knee. In such cases, you can place your foot below the knee. But, as mentioned earlier, never place the foot on your knee. Also, initially, it might be hard to stay steady and keep your balance. You could practice this asana by holding the wall for balance.
To enhance and aid concentration, take several deep breaths before the practice and also fix your gaze on an object right in front of you.
Advanced Pose Alterations
To enhance your stability, you could stretch out your arms on your sides and place them on a wall beside you for maximum support.
Benefits Of Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
Vrikshasana has numerous benefits. Take a look at the good it can do to your body, if practiced regularly.
Science Behind Vrikshasana
This asana is mainly a balancing posture, and its main benefits lie in 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. When the mind wanders, so does the body. Stress and tension forbid you from balancing.
While stabilizing your mind and body through stretching, this asana also strengthens your joints and bones and expands the hips and chest. It loosens the shoulders and tones the arms as well.