Vriksasana
Vriksasana (vrik-SHAH-sə-nə[1][needs IPA]; Sanskrit: वृक्षासन; IAST: vṛkṣāsana) or Tree Pose[2] is an asana.
Contents
Etymology
The name comes from the Sanskrit words vriksa or vriksha (वृक्ष, vṛkṣa) meaning "tree",[3] and asana (आसन) meaning "posture".[4]
Description
From Tadasana, weight is shifted to one leg, for example, starting with the left leg. The entire sole of the foot remains in contact with the floor. The right knee is bent and the right foot placed on the left inner thigh, or in half lotus position. In either foot placement, the hips should be open, with the right knee pointing toward the right, not forward. With the toes of the right foot pointing directly down, the left foot, center of the pelvis, shoulders and head are all vertically aligned. Hands are typically held above the head either pointed directly upwards and unclasped, or clasped together in anjali mudra.
The asana is typically held for 20 to 60 seconds to stretch the spine, returning to tadasana while exhaling, then repeating standing on the opposite leg.[5]
Anatomical focus
The asana emphasizes alignment of the head, spine and hips.
Benefits
This asana improves:
- balance[6]
- Poise[6]
- posture[7][6]
- concentration[8]
- increases the range of motion in the hips[7]
- deepens the thorax[7]
- strengthens the ankles[7]
- tones the muscles of the legs, back and chest[7]
Contraindications and cautions
The sole of the lifted foot should be placed above or below the standing knee, but not directly on the side of it. Placing the foot adjacent to the knee places pressure on the leg in a direction which could cause injury because the knee does not flex parallel to the frontal plane. Additionally, raising the arms above the head for any length of time may involve risks for persons with high blood pressure. The arms can be held at chest height in anjali mudra for those at risk, or simply to relax the effort of the asana.
Beginner's tip
Focus the gaze on a small specific point, known in yoga as a drishte. This is ideally something directly ahead which does not move. Engage the standing foot by lifting the arch and pressing down through the lateral edge. Check that weight is distributed through the ball of the large toe, the ball of the small toe, and the heel. Draw in the navel to imrpove core stability and posture. Faults include leaning to one side, twisting, pushing one hip out; bending or rotating the supporting knee outwards; looking downwards and lacking concentration.[9][full citation needed]
See also
References
- ↑ Budilovsky & Adamson 2000, p. 150.
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- ↑ Silva & Methta 1990, p. 21.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Iyengar 1979, p. 62.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Hewitt 1983, p. 35.
- ↑ Hewitt 1983.
- ↑ Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre (1996) Yoga, Mind and Body (DK, London)
Sources
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Further reading
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