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 mindfulness, making it an excellent choice when practicing yoga for concentration. It is best to channel your energies 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)
Learn how to properly do Vrikshasana, also known as the tree pose! Improve your balance and flexibility with this easy-to-follow tutorial. Watch it and get ready to feel energized and strong!
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. Like all other yoga asanas, the Vrikshasana comes with its own set of disadvantages. Check them out below.
Disadvantages Of Vrikshasana
Loss of Balance: One of the most common risks of performing Vrikshasana is loss of balance as the pose requires you to stand on one leg. This, in turn, may lead to falls or injuries. Avoid this by practicing the pose with the help of a chair first. Joint Pain: When you stand on one leg for the pose, it may put a lot of stress on your knee and ankle joints, especially if done incorrectly. Ensure you put your foot above or below the knee joint to avoid this risk. Also, avoid arching your lower back.
If you are a beginner, scroll down to the next section for some useful tips for this asana.
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)
There are various ways in which vrikshasana benefits your health. 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 try to balance, you are forced to focus your mind, and as you focus, you will realize you are balancing and practicing mindfulness. When the mind wanders, so does the body. Stress and tension forbid you from balancing. It is an effective way to achieve inner peace. In her exploration of one-legged poses, a blogger delves into Vrikshasana and notes: “With these kinds of asanas, there are certain days when it is more readily available. I feel steady and there is a lightness while being firm but on others, especially PMS time, it is a struggle (i).” 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. It helps to keep your physical fitness in check 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.
Illustration: How To Do The Vrikshasana And What Are Its Benefits
