Salamba VrksasanaBeginnerstanding

Salamba Vrksasana

सालम्ब वृक्षासन

Salamba Vrksasana, or Supported Tree Pose, is a balancing asana that improves balance, stability, and concentration. It strengthens the legs, core, and ankles, and promotes a sense of grounding and calmness.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

6

Avoid If

5
  • Low blood pressure
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Knee injury
  • Balance problems

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Locking the knees — keep a micro-bend or engage the quadriceps
Collapsing the arches of the feet — distribute weight evenly
Holding the breath or breathing shallowly
Hunching the shoulders toward the ears
Leaning weight to one side — keep both feet equally grounded
Forcing the hips open beyond their current range
Looking around the room — keep the gaze fixed

Teaching Cues

For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students

7 cues
  • 1Ground firmly through all four corners of both feet
  • 2Engage the quadriceps by lifting the kneecaps
  • 3Lengthen the spine from the tailbone to the crown of the head
  • 4Draw the shoulder blades down and back
  • 5Maintain steady, even breathing throughout
  • 6Allow the hip joints to open gradually — never force
  • 7Fix the gaze on a steady point (drishti) for balance

Pose Details

Helps With

posture correctionstrengthflexibilityanxiety

Pose Type

balancehip openercore strengthener

Body Focus

lower bodycorehips

Focus Areas

balancestrengthbreathing

Best For

beginnersseniorsprenatalteensdesk workers

Yoga Styles

iyengarhathavinyasa

When to Practice

warm upmorningquick practice

Position

standing

Modify If You Have

ankle injury

Place foot low on inner calf, use wall support.

hip injury

Place foot low on inner calf, avoid deep hip opening.

shoulder injury

Keep hands at heart center or on hips.

pregnancy

Use wall support, avoid pressing foot too high on inner thigh.

Target Areas

AbsQuadsGlutesAnkles

Practice Flow

About this Pose

Salamba Vrksasana, or Supported Tree Pose, is a balancing asana that improves balance, stability, and concentration. It strengthens the legs, core, and ankles, and promotes a sense of grounding and calmness.

How to Practice

1

1. Begin in Tadasana, feet together.

2

2. Bend your right knee and place the sole of your right foot on the inner left thigh.

3

3. Ensure your right heel is close to your left groin.

4

4. Keep the left leg strong and pressing firmly into the floor.

5

5. Inhale and bring your hands to Anjali Mudra (prayer position) in front of your chest.

6 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Salamba Vrksasana

What is Salamba Vrksasana?

Salamba Vrksasana, or Supported Tree Pose, is a balancing asana that improves balance, stability, and concentration. It strengthens the legs, core, and ankles, and promotes a sense of grounding and calmness.

What are the benefits of Salamba Vrksasana?

Improves balance and stability. Strengthens legs, core, and ankles. Increases focus and concentration. Promotes grounding and calmness. Stretches the inner thighs and groins. Improves posture.

Who should avoid Salamba Vrksasana?

Avoid this pose if you have: Low blood pressure, Insomnia, Headaches, Knee injury, Balance problems.

How many steps are in Salamba Vrksasana?

Salamba Vrksasana is practiced in 11 steps. Begin in Tadasana, feet together.

Is Salamba Vrksasana suitable for beginners?

Yes, Salamba Vrksasana is a beginner-friendly pose suitable for all levels.

What props are needed for Salamba Vrksasana?

You may use: wall, chair. Props make the pose more accessible and comfortable.

What conditions does Salamba Vrksasana help with?

Salamba Vrksasana is therapeutic for: posture correction, strength, flexibility, anxiety.

What poses should I do before Salamba Vrksasana?

Prepare with: Tadasana, Shoulder Rolls, Neck Rolls, Tadasana Variation: Heel Raises. These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.

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