Benefits of Tree Pose

Tree Pose or Vrksasana may look simple however, standing on one foot can be much more of a challenge than most of us may imagine. The pose is an ideal beginner balancing posture, but still offers benefits to students of all levels. Like most yoga poses, Tree pose can surprise you with its demands.

There are a variety of Tree Pose variations. However, you will always be standing on one foot. Yogis can vary the placement of the foot by placing it higher or lower on the standing leg to help assist with balance. The arms may be extended above the head or kept at the chest in Anjali Mudra (hands in prayer).

To practice this pose, slowly shift your weight onto one foot, keeping the other foot flat on the ground. Place your right foot on the inside of your thigh above the knee. Be careful not to place the foot on the inside of the knee. Keep the hips open, align your hips, shoulders and pelvis. Reach the hands upward above the head or keep clasped at the chest. Remember, trees sway in the wind, so if you feel off balance at first, no worries, just move back into tree pose again. Tree Pose offers a variety of benefits, some of which are listed above. 

*Avoid this yoga pose if you suffer from the following problems or conditions:
Insomnia
Headache
High or low blood pressure