[Pose Of the Week] Swaying Palm Tree Pose (Beginner)

Stretch the entire side body, improve core strength & balance, & find focus in Swaying Palm Tree Pose…

Swaying Palm Tree Pose (Tiryaka Tadasana or Tiryak Tala-Vrikshasana) – also sometimes known as Volcano Pose – is a simple standing yoga pose that offers a great stretch for the sides of the body, while increasing core strength and stability and spinal flexibility, and improving balance and posture. This chest-opening pose also strengthens the legs and helps to align the spine. It is also believed to improve focus and concentration, gently stimulate the digestive organs, and activate the Heart and Navel chakras.

Those with spinal injuries, sciatica, hernia or hypertension, or who suffer from vertigo or headaches should avoid this pose.

How to Do Swaying Palm Tree Pose:

Stand with feet a little more than hip width apart. Fix your gaze at a point directly in front of your face.
Interlock your fingers and turn the palms outwards.
Inhale, and raise the arms up, over the head, extending the palms towards the ceiling and lifting the chest.
Exhale and bend to the right from the waist (do not lean forward or backwards or twist the trunk, Imagine you are between two panes of glass.) Feel the stretch up the left side of the body.
If you feel comfortable in the pose, you may release one hand and place the palm against the outside of the thigh or knee, keeping the other arm stretched up and away. If you are new to the pose, simply maintain the clasped hands for a few breaths as pictured here.
Hold the position for a few seconds breathing normally,
Inhale, and slowly come back to the upright position
Exhale and repeat on the other side.