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Tree pose – asana for the root chakra

This is an excerpt from Hatha Yoga by Ram Jain & Michèle Hauswirth.

Vrkshasana

BENEFITS

Regular practice in a steady and comfortable manner within a balanced yoga asana program:

• stimulates the Root Chakra and therefore balances the functions of the large intestines and adrenals;
• strengthens your spine and improves balance and poise;
• helps in neuro-muscular coordination;
• strengthens and tones your ankles, knees, legs, and buttocks;
• strengthens the tendons and the ligaments of your feet (helps to reduce the effects of flat feet);
• loosens the hip joints, groin, and inner thighs;
• has a grounding and calming effect as it improves physical and mental balance; and
• improves concentration and the mental faculties.

HOW TO COME INTO THE POSE

Stand straight, with your feet together.

Raise your hands above your head and place your palms together, keeping them in line with your forehead.

Inhale, and raise your right foot and place it against your left inner thigh.

Keep your focus on a point slightly above eye level (approximately 2 meters away), and breathe evenly.

COMING OUT OF THE POSE

Gently bring your hands down. Release your right foot to the floor and repeat on the other side.

ALIGNMENT CUES

Your foot should ideally be placed against the opposite inner thigh.

Your hands are reaching toward the ceiling. Make sure to keep the roots of your thumbs in line with your forehead, not over your head and not in front of your face.

Your elbows are slightly bent, and your shoulders lifted only slightly.

The knee of your upper foot is pointing sideways, rotating the leg at the hip joint without lifting your hip up.

Your spine is in a natural curve. Make sure not to

“hang” into the lower back and not to lift the chest.

DURATION

Beginners: 30 seconds–1 minute each side

Intermediate: 1–3 minutes each side

Advanced: 3–5 minutes each side

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND CAUTIONS

• Ankle issues
• Knee issues

MODIFICATIONS

Make sure to rotate the working leg at the hip and place it wherever it reaches along the standing leg. You should not feel strain in the ankle or knee joint. The lifted foot can also be placed along the ankle or lower leg or along the inside of your knee (making sure to place the arch of the foot against the side of your knee, not the heel or ball of your foot).

If you feel strain in your arms or shoulders, keep your hands in the Prayer position in front of your chest instead of reaching them up toward the ceiling.

For anyone who might be in danger of losing balance and falling, it is recommended to practice this pose close to a wall and to take support if necessary.

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