Vrikshasana: Benefits and challenges
Balancing asanas have an immensely positive role on our brain functioning. It's believed that these kind of practices helps establishing the equilibrium between the right and left hemispheres more efficiently. Our mind becomes calmer and more efficient. Because of their calming effect, practice of these asanas pacifies our anger and we become more balanced in our conduct.
However balancing asanas are difficult. Some of these can never be learnt in later stage, especially in females (say post 20) unless you are very fit. Examples are Bakasana and some like Mayurasana should not be attempted by females. Asanas like Natarajasana and Garudasana can be done on regular practice. The simplest balancing asana is the Vrikshasana or the tree pose. It involves standing on one and folding hands in prayer pose on top of the head. This Asana has all the benefits of the balancing ones yet it's so simple to perform.
Like every other balancing asana, Vrikshasana helps in increasing concentration. This is because it helps to focus.Hence should be practiced by the students from an early stage. It's highly beneficial in ADHD patients.
Since it calms down the Nervous system, it helps to treat depression and anxiety. As a result, it also keeps blood pressure under control.
It strengthens the legs and hips and also increases neuromuscular coordination.
It increases stamina by testing our endurance and patience.
Challenges:
This is not for people with instability issues. Always consult your physician before starting any new physical activity.
Elderly people should proceed with caution while attempting this Asana.
If you suffer from vertigo or giddiness, its best not to practice this, or should be done only under expert supervision.
Enthusiastic practitoner with instability issues may take the support of a wall or door .
In short, one should proceed with caution if there are any bodily issues or old age. Otherwise, this is an easy asana with excellent benefits. Let's reap its advantages by practicing it everyday! 30 seconds, 10 times if possible.
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8 comments
I have been trying to do this adana. Balancing is not easy. But practice does the trick.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to know about the importance of Vrikshasana. Thanks for sharing it. Yoga is important.
ReplyDeleteI am quite out of practice on standing exercises, do more mat stretching. Must slowly get back to doing the tree pose.
ReplyDeleteI haven't done this one in a while. You've motivated me to start including this asana in my regular exercises. Thanks for the timely reminder. :)
ReplyDeleteIt has been challenging to hold this pose for longer than 10 secs but I hope practice makes me better at it. Thanks for the motivation.
ReplyDeleteVrikshasana helps improve balance and strengthen muscles.
ReplyDeleteInformative and useful post.
ReplyDeleteUsed to do this for fun as a child but realised it's immense benefits only after I grew up. Its a good way to learn balance.
ReplyDelete