In Sanskrit the word "Vriksha" means 'tree'. In this pose the practitioner holds his body still like a tree.
Sequence:
- Stand erect in Tadasana with your feet joined together.
- Keep your legs straight and your arms on either side.
- Lift your right leg and fold it at the knee.
- Holding the ankle with both hands, pull the leg up.
- Rest your right foot on the upper part of the left thigh.
- The toes of the right foot must be pointing downwards.
- The folded right leg must be perpendicular to the left leg.
- Balance your body properly on your left leg.
- Join the palms of both hands in front of your chest, fingers pointing upward.
- Inhale slowly and gradually raise both your hands up above your head.
- Keep your arms slightly bent.
- Stretch your hands and body further up to the maximum limit.
- Gaze ahead.
- Keeping your balance, relax for as long as possible.
- Bring down your hands to chest level.
- Lower your right leg.
- Repeat the above steps with the opposite leg.
Benefits:
- Rheumatism patients should practice this pose to alleviate the pain.
- Vrikshasana strengthens the ligaments of feet, tendons and arches.
- Neromuscular coordination improves with the practice of this yoga pose.
- Leg muscles become stronger and get toned.
