Vrikshasana - Tree Pose

"Vriksha" means 'tree' in Sanskrit language. In this pose the practitioner holds his/her body and stays like a tree.

Sequence:

1. Stand erect in Tadasana with your feet joined together.
2. Keep your legs straight and your arms on either side.
3. Lift your right leg and fold it at the knee.
4. Hold the ankle with both hands, pull the leg up.
5. Rest your right foot on  upper part of your left thigh.
6. The toes of the right foot must be pointing down.
7. The folded right leg must be perpendicular to the left leg.
8. Balance your body properly on your left leg.
9. Join the palms of both hands in front of your chest, fingers pointing up.
10. Inhale slowly and gradually raise both your hands up above your head.
11. Keep your arms slightly bent.
12. Stretch your hands and body further up to your maximum limit.
13. Gaze ahead.
14. Keeping your balance, relax for as long as possible.
15. Bring down your hands to the chest level.
16. Lower your right leg.
17. Repeat the above steps with the opposite leg.

Benefits:

• Muscles in the legs become stronger and get toned.
• This asana also strengthens the ligaments of arches, feet, and tendons.
• Nervous system gets boosted by practicing this yoga pose.
• Patients suffering from rheumatic disorder should practice this pose to alleviate the pain.