Vriksasana
Vriksasana (vrik-SHAH-sə-nə[1]; Sanskrit: वृक्षासन; IAST: vṛkṣāsana) or Tree Pose[2] is an asana.
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. 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
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.
Beginner's tip
Faults include leaning to one side, twisting, pushing one hip out; bending or rotating the supporting knee outwards; looking downwards and lacking concentration.[9]
See also
References
- ↑ Budilovsky & Adamson 2000, p. 150.
- ↑ "Yoga Journal - Tree Pose". Retrieved 2011-04-11.
- ↑ "Urdhva Vrikshasana - AshtangaYoga.info". Retrieved 2011-04-11.
- ↑ Sinha, S.C. (1 June 1996). Dictionary of Philosophy. Anmol Publications PVT. LTD. p. 18. ISBN 978-81-7041-293-9. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- ↑ 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
- Iyengar, B. K. S. (1 October 2005). Illustrated Light On Yoga. HarperCollins. ISBN 978-81-7223-606-9. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- —— (1979). Light on yoga : yoga dipika (in English) (Rev. ed. ed.). New York, N.Y.: Schocken Books. p. 544. ISBN 0-8052-1031-8. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- Hewitt, J. (1983). The Complete Yoga Book. London: Random House.
- Budilovsky, Joan; Adamson, Eve (2000). The complete idiot's guide to yoga (2 ed.). Penguin. p. 368. ISBN 978-0-02-863970-3.
- Silva, Mira; Methta, Shyam (1990). Yoga: The Iyengar Way (1st ed. ed.). New York: A.A. Knopf. p. 21. ISBN 0-67972287-4.
Further reading
- Saraswati, Swami Janakananda (1 February 1992). Yoga, Tantra and Meditation in Daily Life. Weiser Books. ISBN 978-0-87728-768-1. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
- Saraswati, Swami Satyananda (1 August 2003). Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha. Nesma Books India. ISBN 978-81-86336-14-4. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
- Saraswati, Swami Satyananda (January 2004). A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya. Nesma Books India. ISBN 978-81-85787-08-4. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
External links
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