Tree Pose: Tadasana
Purposes and Benefits:
- Prepares body for Locust pose (#17) when combined with Toe Stand pose (#12)
- Relieves lower-back pain
- Releases tension in belly
- Prevents hernia
- Stretches spine and adductors along inner thigh
- Improves balance and posture
- Increases flexibility of ankles, knees, and hip joints
- Enhances mobility of knees and hip
- Helps correct posture
- Invigorates Internal oblique muscles and leg muscles–particularly calves and quadricepsHow to Do:
- Choose a point for visual focus
- Concentrate and relax by deepening breath
- Balance on left leg
- Use right hand to hold right foot up in front of left upper thigh
- Keep sole of right foot facing toward ceiling
- Tighten buttocks, straighten spine, and ensure the following:
- Tailbone is lengthening down
- Ribs are drawn in
- Shoulders are moving back rather than rounding forward
- Open right hip and work right knee down and back until knees are in 1 line
- If right foot remains above left thigh, bring hands into prayer in front of chest
- Prevent right foot from slipping by pushing hips forward and bringing right knee back
- Hold pose for 10 seconds
