Vrksa =  Tree , Asana = Pose or Posture

Vrksa’ means ‘Tree’, hence Vrksasana means ‘Tree Pose’. The very name suggests the body in the final pose should look like a tree. A tree stands tall, strong and straight. Tree Pose (Vrksasana) comes under the standing poses and balancing poses in yoga. This asana requires concentration to maintain. This asana also activates the muladhara (root) chakra. This stimulation promotes confidence, boosts energy flow, calms the mind,This asana establishes strength and balance in the legs, and helps you feel centered and steady. Good asana for students.

Steps

1. Come to the standing stithi pose.
2. Keep your feet hips width apart and your hands at your side.
3. Take a few breaths and find an object in the room to focus your attention. This will help you to keep your balance while practicing the pose.
4. Slowly shift your weight to your left leg and begin to raise your right foot off the floor.
5. Place the right sole either on the inside of the ankle or at the calf muscle, if you are balancing well and stand comfortable, hold the ankle and pull it all the way up and place your right sole of the foot inside of the left thigh.
6. Make sure, the toes should be pointing down , knees facing on the side and your body should be straight.
7. Imagine you are a tree, growing its roots deep into the earth, stretching its branches towards the sky.
8. Hand namaste pose on the chest initially, stretch your arms straight up. toward the ceiling with the hands in namaskar pose.
9. Hold this pose for up to 15 secs to a  minute and do normal breathing.
10. Exhale and slowly relax the hands and right leg and bring it back down.
11. Repeat the same posture on the left leg.

Tips

If you are not able to balance yourself, please use the wall,  either to keep your hands on the wall or back on the wall.

Benefits 

1. Stretches the entire body from toes to fingers, thus invigorating you.
2. Gives tranquillity to your mind, thus good for those who are facing the problem of depression and anxiety.
3. Increases your stamina, concentration and immunity.
4. Good for your hips as it helps to open it.
5. Strengthens thighs and calves.
6. People suffering from flat feet can practice it.
7. Develops esteem and self-confidence.
8. Calms and relaxes the central nervous system.