...in a Tree Pose
Updated: May 1, 2022
To kick off the our countdown to Christmas I considered beginning with a bird pose, however there are many other birds to cover in this song and not as many bird-related yoga poses. I digress, we begin the first day of yoga-xmas with tree pose. The sanskrit of tree pose is Vrksasana. This pose addresses balance, helps yogis discover their drishti (gaze/focus) and continues to challenge even the well-practiced with minor changes.
Tree pose is an "open hip" pose which means that one leg is externally rotated while the other is neutral. Examples of open hip poses are: side angle, triangle, warrior 2 and tree pose.
Can you see the similarities between these poses? Notice how my toes are always facing the camera on the right side, and on the left they face the left side of the room. This is because the left side in these examples is the "open" side, the externally rotated side.
Two key things to remember in tree pose:
Feel firmly rooted through the bottom of the foot, pressing down through the big toe
Avoid placing the foot against the knee, above or below is much safer for the joint!
Cheerfully yours,
Kaylee
Kaylee, PT, DPT
Kaylee is a Doctor of Physical Therapy based in the Bay Area of California. She received her degree in 2020 from The University of Miami and is currently practicing in an Assisted Living Facility. Kaylee is passionate about all things yoga, neuro-rehab, and limb loss and limb difference rehabilitation demonstrated through practice, student education and advocacy.