TREE (VRIKSHASANA)

Tree-Vrikshasana Introduction

Tree-Vrikshasana : The Tree pose, Vrikshasana (Vriksha = Tree), is an excellente balancing posture. Quite simple from an anatomical standpoint, it does require a great concentration.

Technique

1. From a standing posture, focus on one point in front of you and remain focused on it the whole time.
2. Put your right foot inside your thigh or in half lotus.
3. Slowly bring the palm of your hands together in the center of your chest.
4. Lift and straighten your legs above your head, palms together, biceps touching the ears.
5. Imagine that the supporting leg is literally rooted to the ground, just like a tree.
6. Hold for 5 to 10 breaths and change side.

To make it more difficult, you can close the eyes in the posture.

Benefits

• Strengthen the arch of foot, thighs, calves.
• Stretches back and trapezes muscles.
• Develops concentration and self confidence.
• Improves general equilibrium through stimulation of neuronal connections responsible for balancing (cerebellum).

Caution

• Ankle pain

Other Posture Practices:

Headstand (Sirshasana)

Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar)

Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana)

Plough (Halasana)

Peacock (Mayurasana)

Tree (Vrikshasana)

Triangle (Trikonasana)

Standing Forward Bend (Pada Hastasana)

Relaxation pose (Savasana)

Abdominal lock (Uddiyana Bandha)

Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

The Bow (Dhanurasana)

Locust (Salabhasana)