Bending Tree Pose ( Tiryaka Tad Asana)
Tiryaka tad asana is a basic standing posture that is a variation of Tadasana with a side stretch. The name comes from the Sanskrit Tiryaka, meaning “oblique” or “swaying”; tada, meaning “mountain”; and asana, which means “posture” or “pose.
Tiryaka Tad Asana is also known as parsva urdhva hastasana (upward salute side bend pose), but the former is performed with the feet separated, while the latter is performed with the feet together.
It is thought that the posture opens and balances the anahata (heart) chakra, which is related with love, compassion, forgiving, self-acceptance, and acceptance of others.
The Bending Tree Pose is a variant on the traditional Tree Pose, also known as Vrksasana. The classic pose is a standing position that is simple for new Yoga students to learn. Beginner students can attempt the bending tree position with the help of a wall. This pose, on the other hand, is perfect for intermediate or advanced practitioners because it allows them to experience the whole range of motion.
Standing with your feet comfortably apart, extend your arms to the heavens and interlock your hands with your palms facing down. Bend to one side, extend the opposing side of the body, and then return to the centre before bending to the other side.
In addition to the physical benefits of flexibility and balance, tiryak tad asana improves concentration, making it an excellent pose for meditation practise.
How to do Bending Tree Pose:
- Stand in Samsthiti with hands on the sides. The legs can be kept about a feet and half apart or together.
- Interlock the two palms or keep it separate with the palms facing downwards.
- Inhale slowly and raise the hands over the head. Now the palms are facing each other.
- Pull your arms straight up so that the biceps touch the ears.
- Now exhale slowly and turn towards the left side. Keep on bending to the extent possible without straining. During this process, keep the upper arms close to the ears.
- Stay in this position for as long as you can feel comfortable. Feel the stretch on the right side of the ribs and the waist region.
- Inhale and come back to the straight position with arms extended.
- Repeat this procedure on the right side.
- This constitutes one round. Do as many rounds as you can feel comfortable.
- Finally come back to center and with exhalation release your arms and separate your legs. Have enough rest for few deep breaths, and let the body get relax. To release the pose, exhale and bring down the interlocked palms from the front. Release the lock and place the hands on the sides. Come back to the standing position with legs together.
Contraindications Of Bending Tree Pose
- Injury and Surgery: Students who have suffered an injury to their legs, arms, or shoulders, or who have had surgery on any internal organ or part of their body, particularly their shoulders and wrists, should avoid this posture.
- Physical Strength and Weakness: Students who are unable to stand (due to any physical ailment) can be seated on a chair. Students who have very low blood pressure, dizziness, headaches, are recovering from an illness, or have diarrhoea should avoid overstretching the torso and may be more comfortable in Easy Pose Variation Side Bend (Sukhasana Variation Side Bend) or other sitting side bend poses.
Benefits Of Bending Tree Pose
- Prevents osteoporosis in the elderly.
- Effective in treating constipation and gastritis.
- A great asana for beginners to work on developing a strong core.
- Stretches the back muscles and joints of the spinal column.
- Improves posture by balancing the left and right postural muscles.
- Loosens, tones, and massages the sides of the waists, reducing extra fat.
- A beneficial position for pregnant women since it improves backache and muscular pain.
- Stimulates the liver, kidneys, spleen, and digestive system. It relieves constipation.
- Beneficial for bronchitis, bronchiectasis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients (COPD).
