School of Yoga explains Vrikshasana – Tree Pose

Vrikshasana technique 

• Sthithi (starting) position: First, stand erect with legs together. Keep hands to the side.
• Keep head aligned with the body and look straight ahead.
• Next, bending one leg at the knee, lift one foot such that the heel touches the perineum and the foot is firmly rested on the inside of the thigh. Use the hands to place the feet correctly.
• Take the hands above the head and join them in anjali mudra.
• Alternatively, the hands can be joined in anjali mudra at the chest level.
• Balance the body on one foot and try to remain steady.
• Maintain shallow breathing. Hold for 10 – 30 counts.
• The drishti (gaze) recommended is oordhva drishti (open gaze).
• Come back to straight position. Bring hands back to side.
• Repeat with the other leg.

Vrikshasana benefits 

• The action of holding the heel against the perineum results in activation of mooladhara chakra.
• Therefore, this asana increases the innate sense of balance and awareness of the body in the individual.

Vrikshasana contraindications:

• People with arthritis must perform this asana only under supervision of a physician.
• Do not perform this asana during menstruation or pregnancy.

Some noteworthy points on Vrikshasana:

Internal Links: Dharma (conditioning), Stress and Situational Awareness, Prana, Asana overview 1, Asana Overview 2, Asana Focus or gazing, Pranayama, Yama, Niyama

External Links: Prana, Chakra, Pancha Tattva, Pancha Prana, Pancha Kosha, Nadi, 

• Initially, one may have difficulty in achieving balance, so this exercise could be performed close to a wall for support until competence is reached.
• Closing the eyes could lead to imbalance, so the awareness of the body will need to be achieved with open eyes.