Vrikshasana, also known as Tree Pose, got its name from the Sanskrit word “Vriksha,” which means tree, and “Asana,” which means pose. There are references to this “tree pose” in the Ramayana, which is a story from ancient times. Since Lord Ravana stood in Vrikshasana as penance and begged Lord Shiva for a boon, the pose has been known for its strength.
Vrikshasana benefits by maintaining equilibrium in both mental and physical capacity, as it is essentially a balancing pose. The stance tries to keep your body and mind from wandering and maintain balance while being in the moment, much like a tree can balance while remaining securely anchored. Your body will become more balanced and tranquil as a result of becoming more centred.
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Vrikshasana Benefits
1. Vrikshasana Benefits for Conditions Causing Stability Issues
Being balanced in your body is very essential to have a sense of stability. Vrikshasana may help improve the strength of the muscles that help one keep erect and balanced. The extended arms in this posture help challenge the muscles that control body position.
Vrikshasana may specifically stimulate the abductor group of muscles of the hip joint, which are the muscles that help move the thigh away from the body. This group includes the superior gluteus maximus, gluteus minimus and medius. This benefit is obtained even if the tree pose is done with wall support, using one or both arms for the support. It may prove to be valuable to beginners in the field of Yoga, who have stability issues.
This pose may especially involve the ankle muscles, rather than the thigh, to bring about better balance and it also improves blood circulation. Thus, it may benefit in conditions that may pose stability issues like cardiovascular disease, rehabilitation after injuries, and managing the symptoms of ADHD such as balance, stability and more. You may gain lateral stability by practising the Tree pose by standing close to a wall or chair.
2. Improves Balance and Stability:
Vrikshasana not only improves physical balance but also promotes mental balance. The focus required to maintain the pose encourages mindfulness and concentration, helping to stabilise your thoughts and calm your mind. This mental stability can be as beneficial as physical balance, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting a sense of peace and tranquillity.
Over time, regular practice of Vrikshasana can lead to improved balance and stability, both physically and mentally. These improvements can extend beyond your yoga practice to benefit other areas of your life as well.
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3. Calms the Central Nervous System (CNS)
The practice of Vrikshasana encourages deep, controlled breathing and requires intense focus, both of which are effective strategies for calming the CNS. As you hold the pose, your attention is directed away from your worries and towards maintaining balance and synchronising your breath. This shift in focus can interrupt the cycle of stress response, allowing your CNS to shift from a state of hyperarousal to one of calm.
Moreover, the physical exertion involved in maintaining the pose can also help reduce levels of stress hormones in the body, further promoting a sense of calm. The more you practise Vrikshasana, the better equipped your CNS becomes at managing stress, leading to reduced anxiety and improved mental well-being.
4. Enhances Concentration
Vrikshasana benefits as more than just a physical exercise. It’s a practice that demands your full attention and concentration, making it an excellent way to enhance mental focus and clarity.
The act of balancing on one foot in Vrikshasana requires a significant amount of mental focus. You need to be aware of your body’s position, maintain your balance, control your breathing, and stay calm all at once. This multifaceted focus trains your brain to concentrate on multiple elements simultaneously, thereby improving cognitive function and concentration.
When you’re fully engaged in the pose, distractions fade away, and your mind becomes single-pointedly focused on the task at hand. This state of ‘flow’ or deep absorption is associated with improved performance and increased satisfaction in activities. By regularly practising Vrikshasana, you can learn to access this state of flow more readily, not just in yoga, but in other areas of your life as well.
5. Promotes Better Posture
Vrikshasana involves standing properly for a considerable amount of time, with your spine straight, your feet strong, and your upper body relaxed yet erect. It is one of the most natural and organic ways to enhance posture. Because it strengthens both legs equally, it keeps you from hunching over or placing too much weight on one leg, for example.
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How to Perform Vrikshasana
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform and avail Vrikshasana benefits:
- Maintain a straight posture and space your feet two inches apart.
- Focus your attention directly in front of you.
- Breathe out, bend your right leg, and plant your right foot on the inside of your left thigh. The perineum, or the space between the tailbone and the joint where the right and left pelvic bones connect, is where your right heel should be positioned.
- Take a deep breath, lift your arms and make the Namaskar Mudra by bringing your hands together.
- Stay in this position for ten to thirty seconds. At this moment, make sure your breathing is normal.
- Let out a breath now and lower your arms. Step down to the starting position with your right leg.
- For the left side of Vrikshasana, follow the same sequence of movements.
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Precautions
Vrikshasana benefits are a lot but here are some precautions to take while performing this exercise:
- Those who experience vertigo should refrain from doing this pose.
- This pose should not be done by anyone with arthritis who has swelling and pain in several joints.
- Before engaging in yoga activities, one should see a doctor or a yoga therapist if they have a persistent illness, discomfort, injury, or cardiac issues.
- Before performing Vrikshasana during pregnancy or menstruation, yoga experts should be informed.
Conclusion
Vrikshasana is a testament to the transformative power of yoga. By incorporating this pose into your routine, you can enjoy a stronger body, a calmer mind, and a richer yoga practice.
Remember, it’s essential to listen to your body and go at your own pace. If you’re new to yoga or have any health concerns, consult with a healthcare provider or a qualified yoga instructor before trying new poses.
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Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. Beato App does not claim responsibility for this information.
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