Here, we will be discussing the benefits of vrikshasana. This position is similar to a tree’s sturdy but beautiful stance. The name is derived from the Sanskrit words’ vriksha,’ which means tree, and ‘asana,’ which means posture. Unlike most other yoga postures, you must keep your eyes open in this one so that your body can balance itself. This asana has numerous advantages. Continue reading to know more.
Everything You Need To Know About Vrikshasana
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: BeginnerStyle: Hatha YogaRepetitions: 1 Minute On Each Leg – Repeat 5 Times On Each LegStrengthens: Ankles, Thighs, Calves, Vertebral columnStretches: 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.
Preparatory Poses
Follow-Up Poses
Standing Poses Does Vrikshasana increase height? Anecdotal evidence claims that Vrikshasana may activate the pituitary gland, which produces the growth hormone. However, there is no empirical evidence to support this. How long should I hold the tree pose? For better results, you should hold the tree pose for about 10-20 seconds. Is the tree pose difficult? No. The tree pose is one of the easiest asanas. But without adequate focus, you may face challenges while doing it.