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Vriksha Asana or the tree pose is one of the most basic balancing poses. Vriksha means tree hence Vriksha Asana is also called Tree Pose. A tree is soundly rooted in the earth but grows upward with branches reaching out to the sun. Wind may move the branches, but the tree stands firm. Vriksha Asana therefore gives body and mind balance, growth and firmness. The practitioner has to stand upright like a tree to get all those benefits.
TECHNIQUE
Begin in tada Asana, the mountain pose and stand in an upright position.
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| Vriksha Asana |
Keep the feet together and the knees straight.
Keep the arms on the sides.
Bring your hands together in front of your chest with your palms together.
Without bending the left knee pick up the right foot and balance the sole of your right foot on the inner thigh of your left leg, as high as you are able. The right toe should be pointing downwards. Keep the folded leg at right angle to the upright leg and both the thighs must be in alignment.
Balance your body only on the left leg. If you have a hard time balancing on one foot, keep your toes on the ground, turn your one knee out to open the hips then simply balance the heel against your ankle.
Join the palms and bring them to the middle of your chest. Keep the fingers pointing upwards and without moving the hands slowly lift them overhead. Raise your arms over your head, keeping your palms together. The arms must be bent slightly.
Stand straight and erect. Look straight ahead and remain relaxed.
Maintain your balance.
Remain in this position for about 10 seconds. Slowly lower the hands to the middle portion of the chest. While returning to the starting position, lower the right leg.
Return to tada Asana, then repeat with the left leg. If you find it too difficult to balance in tada Asana, you can vary the pose slightly. Bring the sole of your foot to your opposite leg’s inner calf instead of the thigh, or even rest it against your opposite ankle, to get a more secure feeling of the balance before hiking that foot all the way up to the opposite thigh. Also, you can leave your palms apart when you raise your arms. This great separation between your hands can help you balance more easily. When you feel more confident in the pose, you can bring that foot up and those palms together.
Throughout Vriksha Asana, keep your breathing steady and regular so it doesn’t interfere with your balance.
BENEFITS
It tones the legs, opens the hips, and promotes physical balance. It also develops concentration and mindfulness.
You will gain neuromuscular coordination.
This Asana cures rheumatic pain and numbness of the legs.
It also strengthens the feet ligaments, tendons and the arches.
Vriksha Asana tones up legs muscles and loosens the pelvis.
Regular practice of Vriksha Asana makes the ankles, knees and the legs flexible.
