Sanskrit Pronunciation
ahsh-wahn-AH-sah-nah
Overview Of Fig Tree Pose
Fig tree pose, or ashwanasana in Sanskrit, is a balancing posture and variation on Tree Pose. The practitioner stands on one foot while reaching the other foot back, one arm up, and one arm to the side.
Benefits Of Balance Poses
Balance is the ability to control your body’s position, whether stationary (i.e. a complex yoga pose) or while moving (e.g. playing golf).
Balance is a key component of Yoga, along with strength and flexibility poses.
Top 5 benefits to of balance poses...
1) Body Awareness – Body awareness is the sense of how your limbs are oriented in space, also known as proprioception. Balance training improves body awareness, which decreases the likelihood of injury.
2) Coordination – Balance poses requires your entire body to work in harmony, otherwise you will fall or stumble. Improved coordination during balance poses will be transferred into coordination in everyday life.
3) Joint Stability – Balance poses promote stable knees, ankles, hips, and shoulders. This can prevent a multitude of injuries including sprained ankles and knee problems.
4) Reaction Time – Balance poses can improve your reaction time. If you happen to slip or stumble when performing balance poses, your body needs to re-balance immediately or you will fall. This in turn will improve your reaction time in everyday life.
5) Long Term Health – Adding balance poses into your Yoga session helps to maintain or improve your balance, which is needed to prevent falls and fractures. As we age, our balance can deteriorate. Yoga balances will help delay that deterioration.
