Sanskrit: Vrksasana
vrik-SHAH-sah-nah
Benefits
Lengthens spine; mobilizes joints; Brings emotional and mental balance
Standard Cues
Stand with your feet together. Shift your weight onto your right leg. Place the sole of your left foot along the inside of your right thigh; either above or below your knee.
Slowly reach your arms out and then up with an inhale. Bring your palms to touch overhead. Gaze at one point ahead of you. Hold the pose and take slow, deep breaths.
Release your arms and leg with an exhale.
Change sides.
Short Cues and Options
Draw shoulders away from ears
Gaze at a fixed point to balance
Lengthen spine
Open knee to the side
If you find it difficult to balance, place your heel on top of the opposite foot.
Precautionary Warnings
Avoid this pose if you have low blood pressure.