Trikonasan
Trikon → triangle
asana → posture/pose
Level: Beginner
Benefits:
- Strengthens and tones the hips, legs, knees and arms
- Reduces stiffness in neck, shoulders and legs
- Opens ups the shoulders and chest
- Improves digestion and provides relief from acidity and flatulence (gas)
- Improves posture
Not recommended if you:
- Have a back or neck injury
- Are suffering from diarrhoea, low blood pressure or chronic migraines
How to do Trikonasan:
- Stand up straight with your feet about 3 feet apart
- Turn your right foot out by 90 degrees and your left foot out by about 45 degrees
- Lift your arms out to the sides, parallel to the floor with palms facing downwards. Breathe normally
- As you exhale, bend your body to the right so your right arm moves downward while your left arm moves upward. Keep both arms in a straight line
- With your right hand, touch your ankle or the floor, keeping this palm straight and fingers pointing towards the floor. The fingers of the left palm are also straight, but pointing upwards
- Keep both arms in a straight line
- Turn your head gently and gaze towards your left palm
- The body is now bent sideways at the right hip. You will feel a stretch in your hips
- Stay in this position for a few seconds, breathing normally.
- To come out of this position, inhale, straighten the body and bring both arms to your sides. Straighten both legs and stand still.
- Repeat on the other side
Dos and don’ts while doing Trikonasan:
- Make sure you are properly balanced on your feet before you start the asana
- While bending, do so slowly and gently. If you feel a pinch in the hips or back, straighten out slowly
- Keep your eyes open to maintain balance and stability