Swaying Palm Tree Pose

What Does Swaying Palm Tree Pose Mean?

Swaying palm tree pose is a basic variation of mountain pose with a side stretch. In Sanskrit, it is known as tiryaka tadasana.

To practice the pose, the yogi stands with feet separated, then reaches the arms upward and interlocks the fingers with the backs of the hands facing upward. The swaying motion begins with a side stretch to one side, a return to center and then a side stretch to the other side. In a variation, the palms can face the sky. A similar pose is upward salute side bend, but that posture is usually performed with the feet together.

Yogapedia Explains Swaying Palm Tree Pose

In addition to providing a strong stretch of the sides of the body, swaying palm tree pose has these benefits:

• Stretches the spine and the arms
• Opens the chest
• Relieves constipation and stimulates digestion
• Improves respiration, making it therapeutic for asthma, bronchitis and COPD
• Improves balance
• Strengthens the legs
• Tones the abdominal organs
• Helps with spinal alignment
• Improves focus and concentration

Yogis with the following conditions should skip swaying palm tree pose: a hernia, back pain, hypertension, vertigo, cardiac issues, cervical pain and severe headaches.