Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
Vrikshasana, or tree pose, is a yoga asana that involves standing on one leg while placing the other leg's bent foot against the inner thigh of the standing leg. The name comes from the Sanskrit words vriksha (tree) and asana (pose).
Here are some things to know about Vrikshasana:
Benefits: Vrikshasana can improve balance, stability, focus, flexibility, posture, and mental clarity. It can also strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the legs, and open up the hips.
How to do it: To perform Vrikshasana, you can:
- Stand straight
- Balance on one leg
- Bend the other leg at the knee
- Place the bent foot against the inside of the standing leg's thigh
- Join your palms in prayer at your chest
- Lift your arms over your head
- Hold the position while breathing deeply
- Lower your arms to chest level and separate your palms
- Straighten your bent leg and stand erect again
Precautions: People with arthritis or obesity should avoid practicing Vrikshasana.
