Vrikshasana (Tree Pose Yoga) Steps, Health Benefits and Precautions

Vrikshasana meaning

Vrikshasana has taken from the Sanskrit word Vrska ( वृक्षासन).  It comprises two words Vriksh means tree and asana indicating a Yogic posture. If somebody pronounced Vrikshasana, it should be as vrik-shah-sana. While performing, it gives the true spirit of the tree, thus named as tree pose. “Stand erects on the left leg, bend the right leg and place the right foot on the root of the right thigh. Maintain the pose like a tree on the ground. This is called vriksha-asana” Gheranda-samhita II.36.

Breathing in Vrikshasana yoga

All the yoga poses should perform with proper breathing techniques. The same things are applied to Vrikshasana. While in Tree pose, inhale and raise both arms above your head and form Namaskar mudra. Take suitable stretching and do inhaling-exhaling continue while maintaining the pose. Brings your arms down with deep exhaling.

How to perform Vrikshasana

How to do tree pose technically right is important to get its maximum benefits? Here, the step by step practicing techniques is being mentioned, especially for the beginners so that they become master of the pose.

• Stand erect. Keep the feet together.
• Fold the right leg and placed it at the top of the left thighs with the toes of the right leg should point downwards.
• The right leg should perpendicular to the left leg.
• Extend your arms above your head.
• Inhale and try to make Namaskar mudra with your palms.
• Balance the pose as long as you can because balancing is of utmost importance in the Tree pose.
• Try to make your spine straight and feel the stretching from toes to fingers.
• With a deep exhale bring your arms and leg down.
• Repeat the same with the left leg. It completes one round.
• Do three-five rounds.
• No. of rounds may increase as per your convenience.

Health benefits of Vrikshasana

1. It stretches the entire body from toes to fingers, thus invigorates you.
2. It gives tranquillity to your mind thus good for those who are facing the problem of depression and anxiety.
3. It increases your stamina, concentration, and immunity.
4. It is good for your hips as it helps to open it.
5. It is beneficial for those who are experiencing sciatica. But one should practice it under the supervision of a yoga expert.
6. It enhances the flexibility of legs, back, and chest muscles.
7. It makes your ankle stronger.
8. It should be performed as knees yoga.  The person who is having knee problems should perform it.
9. It strengthens thighs and calves.
10. It gives suitable stretching to the groins.
11. People suffering from flat feet should practice it.
12. It makes you more focused and concentrated.
13. By practicing this asana, the ligaments and tendons of the feet get strengthen.
14. It is also good for the pelvic region.
15. It develops esteem and self-confidence.
16. It calms and relaxes the central nervous system.
17. It helps to cure rheumatic pain and also treats numbness.

Precautions

Some of the important contraindications cautions and side effects of this yoga pose are being given below.

It should not be practiced in case of

• High blood pressure
• Low blood pressure
• Migraine
• Insomnia
• Acute knee problems
• Hip injury