This is a standing and balancing pose which is not exactly very easy to master. It is derived from the Sanskrit word Vriska (tree) and Asana (posture) (वृक्षासन) – 17th century Gheranda Samhita. The pronunciation should be Vrik-shah-sana. Your leg that you are remaining on has to be firmly grounded like a trunk of a tree to attain the right balance. Your mind has to be completely stable, focused and razor-sharp to attain mastery over this asana.
A 7th-century stone carving in Mahabalipuram appears to contain a figure standing on one leg, perhaps indicating that a pose similar to Vrikshasana was in use at that time
Getting into the Asana
If you are a beginner you can take the support of the wall. Place your palm against the wall; also, for some days do not raise your arms up. Just practice to fix your heel at the root of the thigh.
Step 1
Stand erect. Fold the right leg at the knee and place it at the top of left thigh with the toes of right leg should point downwards. The sole of the foot should be placed flat and firmly near the root of the thigh. The right leg should perpendicular to the left leg.
Step 2
Join your palms and fingers and place them to the mid-section of your chest, at that point your fingers should indicating upwards like Namaskar. Extend your arms above your head. Inhale and try to make Namaskar mudra with your palms straight over your head as if you are making an obeisance to the sky. Balance the pose as long as you can because balancing is utmost important in Tree pose.
Step 3
Keep your spine straight and feel the stretching from toes to fingers. With deep exhale bring your arms and leg down. Repeat the same with left leg. It completes one round. Do three-five rounds.
Contraindications
If you suffering from High or low blood pressure, then better avoid this asana. Or you can hold your hands at the chest level in a `anjali mudra’Also, if you have Migraine, Insomnia, Acute Knee problem or a Hip Injury. On a day when your mind is vey restless and you are suffering from acute stress and anxiety, it is better to avoid this asana.
Benefits
This asana is mainly a balancing posture, and its main benefits lie in improving balance and enhancing the nervous system. When you balance, you are forced to focus your mind, and as you focus, you will realize you are balancing. When the mind wanders, so does the body. Stress and tension forbid you from balancing.
While stabilizing your mind it also stretches the entire body from toes to fingers and body through stretching, this asana also strengthens your thighs, calves, ankles and expands the hips and chest. The ligaments and tendons of the feet get strengthened and helps people with flat feet. It develops esteem and self-confidence.
