Tree pose yoga (Vrikshasana

We have seen certain YOGA PRACTICES in the earlier issues of this magazine. In this issue we will be discussing TREE POSE or Vrikshasana in the standing position. This posture replicates the graceful, steady stance of a tree. Unlike most yoga poses, the Tree Pose requires keeping our eyes open in order to maintain body balance.

At this age or say above 50, I don’t advise you to jump into a 90-minute hot yoga class with a group of younger practitioners. But you can start with a gentle practice meant for beginners. You can slowly try for the easy YOGA PRACTICES as Vrikshasana is one of the easy poses. Excellent for leg and abdominal strength. Good for seniors to do for balance and concentration. It’s ok for the leg to be lower on the inner standing leg. Since you are all senior colleagues you can start with using a wall for support. Stand tall, and place one foot on the opposite inner thigh, either above or below the knee. Open the leg to the side, bring your hands to prayer, and stay for five to eight breaths. Vriksasana or Tree Pose is an asana. Sanskrit: Je=#eemeve; Vriksha – Tree, Asana – Pose; Pronounced as – vrik-SHAHS-anna This posture is a close replica of the steady, yet graceful stance of a tree.The name comes from the Sanskrit words vriksa or vriksha (Je=#e, vriksha) meaning “tree”, and asana (Deemeve) meaning “posture”. Please keep your eyes open as in all the asanas where balancing is required, unlike most other yoga poses, you are required to keep your eyes open so that your body can balance itself. 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. How to Do Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) Stand absolutely erect and drop your arms to the side of your body. Slightly bend your right knee, and then, place the right foot high up on your left thigh. Make sure that the sole is placed firm and flat on the root of the thigh. Your left leg needs to be absolutely erect. Once you have assumed this position, breathe, and find your balance. Now, inhale, and gently raise your arms over your head and bring them together in a ‘namaste’ mudra.

Look straight at a distant object and hold your gaze. This will help you maintain balance. Keep your spine straight. Note that your body needs to be taut, yet elastic. Take in deep breaths, and every time you exhale, relax your body more. Gently bring your hands down from the sides, and release the right leg. Come back to the original position of standing tall and straight as you did at the beginning of the practice. Repeat this pose with the left leg. Those who suffer from high blood pressure should not raise their arms above the head for a long period of time. It is best that you avoid practicing this pose if you suffer from insomnia or migraine. Benefits of Vrikshasana (Tree Pose) Vrikshasana has numerous benefits. Take a look at the good it can do to your body, if practiced regularly. It strengthens the spine while improving both balance and poise. It improves and aids neuro-muscular coordination. It tones the leg muscles while making the ligaments and tendons of the feet stronger. The knees become stronger, and the hip joints are loosened.

The eyes, inner ears, and shoulders are also strengthened in this pose. It relieves those suffering from sciatica and reduces flat feet.

It makes you stable, flexible, and patient. It enhances concentration and activates all the mental faculties. This pose helps to deepen the thorax. 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.

C. P. Mulye Yoga Prabodha