{"id":12657,"date":"2022-11-23T13:25:35","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T13:25:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/srisrischoolofyoga.org\/na\/?p=12657"},"modified":"2022-11-23T13:26:17","modified_gmt":"2022-11-23T13:26:17","slug":"tree-pose-or-vrksasana-for-better-balance-focus-and-strength","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/srisrischoolofyoga.org\/na\/blog\/tree-pose-or-vrksasana-for-better-balance-focus-and-strength\/","title":{"rendered":"Tree Pose or Vrksasana for Better Balance, Focus and Strength"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tree pose is a classic standing yoga pose that helps improve your strength, balance and focus. It replicates the graceful, steady stance of a tree and helps you feel grounded and centered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In Sanskrit, the ancient language of yoga it is known as Vrksasana (Vrak-sa-sana) or <\/span>Vrkshasana <\/span><\/i>(<\/span>VRik-shah-SUN-aa<\/span><\/i>). <\/span>Vriksha (or vrksa) <\/span><\/i>means tree, and <\/span>asana <\/span><\/i>means pose. This balancing pose is an excellent addition to any yoga practice and can be performed by almost anyone with the modifications described below. Let us find out how you can do it in the right way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Level of Difficulty:\u00a0 <\/span>Beginner\/Intermediate<\/span><\/h4>\n

Step-by-step instructions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Vrksasana (tree pose) teaches you to simultaneously press down and feel rooted as you reach tall like the branches of a mighty tree. In this pose, you find a sense of groundedness through the strength of your standing leg.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Stand tall in a mountain pose with your arms relaxed by your sides.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Bend your right knee and place your right foot high up on your left thigh. The sole of your right foot should be placed firmly against your left inner thigh.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Make sure that your standing leg (left leg) is straight. Find your balance.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Once you feel steady, take a deep breath in and bring your palms together in Namaste (prayer pose) at your chest. Keep your shoulder blades relaxed.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. If you are comfortable with this, you can take both your arms above your head either with Namaste or arms apart resembling the wide-topped tree.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Look straight in front of you and gently focus your gaze on an unmoving object. A steady gaze helps maintain steady balance.<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Ensure that your spine is straight, and continue breathing deeply. Hold the pose for five to ten breaths.<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. On a slow exhalation, gently bring your hands down to your sides.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. Gently bring your right foot to the ground and return to mountain pose.<\/span><\/li>\n
  10. \u00a0Repeat on the other side, this time, with your left foot resting against your right thigh.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Note: Do not place your raised foot against the knee joint, it can harm your knee. Place it above or below the knee only.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n