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Yoga tree pose or Vriksha-asana brings about mental stability. It is basically a balanced pose which helps you get cool and calm. The yoga tree pose is a very challenging and a slightly difficult task as it requires you to stand on one foot. The key here is to cultivate the median line of the body.
The anatomical focus of Tree Pose lies on your thighs. Since it is a balancing pose, it helps develop concentration, poise and awareness. Once you are an expert at Vrikshasana you could go about practicing it with closed eyes to reach the advanced stage.
How to do Vrikshasana?
* Stand in Tadasana
* Start by shifting your body weight on to your right foot, lifting the left foot over the floor.
* Bend you left knee so that the sole of your left foot reaches out to touch the inner right thigh.
* Press the left foot and the right thigh in to one another so that there is a strong hold.
* Pay attention to your right hip and make sure that it does not jut out. Both the hips should be in balance and placed towards the front.
* Keep yourself balanced for 30 seconds to 1 minute and then return to Tadasana.
* Repeat the complete movement while standing on your left foot.
Benefits of Yoga Tree Pose
* Vrikshasana helps you increase the flexibility of hips and knees.
* It helps you maintain a better body balance and thus fight back pain and sciatica.
* It helps you strengthen your thighs, calves, ankles and spine.
* It further stretches your groins and inner thighs along with chest and shoulders.
* It is extremely beneficial in reducing the problem of flat feet.
A Word of Caution
If not practiced appropriately, Vrikshasana could lead to insomnia and headache. Therefore, it is advisable to consult an expert yoga trainer before you start doing this asana. It could also lead to low blood pressure in case of certain people. People who have high blood pressure must not raise their arms over their head while doing the tree pose.
You may initially find it hard to stick your foot in to the thigh as it may keep sliding down. If that happens then you could start with sticking your foot with a stick mat. Gradually you would be able to do it on your own. You could also take the help of wall to keep up the balance in the beginning.
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