Vrksasana: Tree Pose
ADJUSTMENTS | BENEFITS | SEQUENCING | SANSKRIT | STEPS
Vrksasana (vrik-SHAHS-ah-nah) is a deceptively challenging pose. While at first glance tree pose may seem easy, the combination of strength, balance, and flexibility required can take lots of practice. Never fear, props like a wall or a chair can come in handy while finding the balance point of the pose, and there are plenty of variations to fit everyone’s practice. This is a great pose to practice dristi (focused gaze) to help with balance.
Philosophy + Origin
In many Indian traditions, trees, specifically the ashoka tree, are symbols of love and devotion. Many cultures seek the knowledge of trees for healing, searching their branches, trunks, leaves, and roots for powerful medicine. Patient by nature, trees are quiet and steady, living their long lives in rhythm with the seasons and the circadian rhythm of the world. In Indian literature, trees often make appearances as sacred symbols of the universe, a bridge between creator and individual.
ADJUSTMENTS/MODIFICATIONS
- Skin contact: If you have difficulty keeping your raised foot in place, adjust your clothing so that your lifted foot touches your skin directly.
- Wall: Place one hand against a wall or chair for extra support. Or, lean your hips and shoulders against a wall.
- Kickstand: Keep the toes of your lifted leg on the ground, your heel resting against the ankle of your standing leg.
- Arm variations: Bring your arms overhead or interlace your hands behind your back for a variation.
- For high blood pressure: Keep your hands at your sides or in prayer position at your heart rather than raising them over your head.
- Steady your gaze (drishti): Looking at one point while balancing will allow you to stay in the pose longer. Or, challenge your balance by looking up or closing your eyes.
STEP-BY-STEP
- Begin in mountain pose (tadasana). Shift your weight to your left foot, and bring your right foot to the inner line of your left leg, toes pointing toward the ground.
- Your foot may touch your ankle, calf, or inner thigh. Avoid placing your foot on the knee joint.
- Press through all four corners of your left foot, especially the mound of your big toe.
- Lengthen your tailbone toward the ground, with hips squared forward.
- Soften your shoulders away from your ears.
- Press the sole of your right foot firmly into your left leg.
- Bring your hands together at your heart center in prayer position. Focus your gaze on one point. Option to lift your arms overhead.
- Work on staying in the pose for one minute before returning to mountain pose. Repeat on the second side.
PREPARATORY POSES
- Mountain pose | Tadasana
- Boat pose | Navasana
- Bound angle pose | Baddha konasana
SEQUENTIAL POSES
- Standing hand to big toe pose | Utthita hasta padagusthasana
- Standing figure four | Ardha utkatasana
- Warrior I | Virabhadrasana I
COUNTER POSES
- Standing forward bend | Uttanasana
- Cow face pose | Gomukhasana
- Seated forward bend | Paschimottanasana
SANSKRIT
- Vrksa = tree
- Asana = pose
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
- Stretches inner thighs and groin of lifted leg.
- Strengthens thighs, calves, core, and foot muscles.
- Thought to improve posture.
ENERGETIC BENEFITS
- Thought to offer a sense of balance and poise.
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About the Author
Parivrtta Hasta Padangusthasana: Revolved Hand to Big Toe Pose
ADJUSTMENTS | BENEFITS | SEQUENCING | SANSKRIT | STEPS
Parivrtta hasta padangusthasana (par-ee-VRIT-tah HAS-ta pod-ang-goosh-TAHS-anna) is a balancing posture that asks for flexibility. Use props and modifications to make this challenging posture accessible from right where you are.
Philosophy + Origin
While the name of this pose is straightforward, many yoga teachers call it dancing Shiva, which opens up a whole new perspective for understanding parivrtta hasta padangusthasana. Traditional depictions of Nataraj, or dancing Shiva, show the arms and legs moving fluidly across the body, which is how the shape of this posture earned it its nickname. Shiva’s dance is often referred to as a cosmic dance of bliss, showing the universal cycles of creation and destruction, birth and death. Practicing dancing Shiva is a recognition of these cycles, and improves the ability to find balance and peace in the midst of eternal change.
