What Do I Emphasize In Tree Pose

Vrikshasana (The Tree Pose) helps strengthen the back, calves, thighs and ankles. It also helps increase flexibility in the region of the groin and hips. The constant practice of Tree Pose also helps improve balance and concentration. Vrikshasana (The Tree Pose) is specially recommended for those suffering from Sciatica and flat feet. Special emphasis in Vrikshasana (The Tree Pose) is on your breath and balance.

• To start get into Tadasana (the Mountain Pose)

• With a deep exhalation, place your right foot on the inside of your left leg, near the groin. Your toes should be pointing downward and the right knee should be pointing to the right.

• With an inhalation, spread your arms out sideways and form a T. See that your palms are facing downwards.

• With an inhalation, join your palms together in a prayer position.

• Now raise both hands above your head, still keeping in a prayer position. To retain your balance, in Vrikshasana (The Tree Pose) you lay special emphasis on breath and balance, so focus at a fixed point in front of you and keep breathing abdominally.

• To come out of the pose, exhale, bring down your arms by your sides and slowly lower your right leg to the ground.

For a start, you could take the support a wall to remain steady if you don’t have the confidence. Those suffering from insomnia, headache, high or low blood pressure must be extra careful while doing this pose.

Benefits:
1.  Strengthens calves, thighs, spine and ankles
2.  Stretches the inner thighs, groins, shoulders and chest
3.  Improves your balance
4.  Reduces flat feet and helps relieve symptoms of sciatica

Contraindications
Avoid practicing this posture if you suffer from any of these conditions.
1.  Insomnia
2.  Headache
3.  High and Low blood pressure (Never raise your arms above your head)

Special Emphasis On Balance And Breath
As you hold the posture, you may be tempted to let your mind wander. This way you will lose both your focus and balance and then you will no longer be actively involved in your posture. If you don’t feel anything in the muscles, go deeper into the pose by deepening a twist or bending the knee more.

To remain active in the pose, remember to breathe evenly and, deeply, engaging your core muscles. Suck your navel in towards your spine. Also, tuck your tailbone in towards your pubis. This will help you hold the pose better and to engage your core muscles. It may sound strange but after doing it a couple times you are sure to find that you do engage your core muscles and that helps you stay aligned.