The Sanskrit word vriksha means tree. Just like a tree, this asana involves standing tall, maintaining stability, and reaching upward, which is why it is called Vrikshasana.
Position of Readiness:
- Stand with feet together on the floor.
- Keep hands at your sides, eyes looking forward.
- Breathe normally.
Steps to Practice Vrikshasana:
- Prepare:
- Stand firmly on the left leg.
- Fold the right leg at the knee.
- Position the Foot:
- Raise the right thigh and bring the sole of the right foot as high up the inside of the left thigh as possible.
- The right foot will be slightly twisted, pressing its side against the left thigh.
- Ensure you press the thigh with the sides of the foot, not the heel.
- Balance and Lift:
- Balance on the left foot.
- Raise both arms over the head, keeping the elbows unbent.
- Join the palms together.
- Stretch Upward:
- Stretch the whole body upward from the heels to the fingers of the hands.
- Hold the Posture:
- Breathe gently through the nostrils.
- Hold the posture for about 10 complete breaths.
- Release:
- Exhale, lower the arms and the right leg.
- Return to Tadasana (standing position) with feet together and arms at the sides.
- Rest and Repeat:
- Rest for a few seconds.
- Repeat on the opposite leg.
- Repeat two or three times on each leg, but do not practice more than six times a day.
Benefits of Vrikshasana:
- Muscle Toning:
- Tones the muscles of the ankles, toes, knees, hip joints, shoulder joints, elbows, hands, and fingers.
- Flexibility:
- Brings flexibility to the body and removes all strains.
- Joint Activation:
- Activates all the joints of the body.
Experience the grounding and stabilizing effects of Vrikshasana, bringing balance and flexibility into your practice!