Names
Manu Asana, Tapasana, Tree pose
How to perform Manu Asana
Check which of your nostrils is active and start with the active side.
If your right side is active, bring your right foot up with inhalation and place it on the inner side of your left thigh. Hold the pose and press your heel into your root chakra. This pressure activates your Pingala Nadi.
When you have found your balance, place your hands in front of your chest in the Namaste pose and slowly bring them over your head.
Repeat the same exercise from the other side.
Benefits of Manu Asana
This yoga pose obviously helps you practicing balance. Additionally it stretches the whole body.
Through giving pressure to the root chakra you activate its energy and the nadis, the main energy channels of your body. This lets you feel more alive and connected with your roots.
Children love this pose – just like every balancing pose, as it is fun and exercise in one.
Focus Points
Of course you should try to stand in balance and not fall.
When you are in the tree pose, you should focus on stretching yourself completely. The sole of your foot should be flat on your inner thigh and as high as it can go up.
Tips and Help
If you cannot lift your foot up until the thigh or root chakra yet, you can also place it further down, on your calves. Just don’t place it exactly next to the knee as this can harm the knee joint.
In order to stand still, focus with the eyes on a point that does not move. Imagine you are a tree, growing its roots deep into the earth, stretching its branches towards the sky.