Tadasana

(Palm Tree Posture)

'Tad' means 'Palm Tree' in Hindi language. It is a very tall tree found on banks of seas, rivers and oceans. The entire length of body is incorporated in this asana. The posture formed during practice resembles a palm tree hence name Tadasana.

Method

1. Stand straight on mat with feet together, hands straight and absolutely close to body and palms touching thighs.
2. Interlock fingers, turn palms upside down and keep hands below the navel.
3. Inhaling a slow and deep breath stretch arms above head and balance body on toes (upper arms touching ears).
4. Exhaling a slow and deep breath, bring heels back onto mat, bring hands down and place them close to body and relax.
   

Tadasana (Palm Tree Posture)

Duration

Initially this asana can be practiced from half a minute to three minutes. Slowly after it is perfected, time can be increased as desired by practitioner. Breath should be deep and slow. This asana is opposite of Shirshasana.

Effect on Health

Sampadasana and Tadasana share a few common benefits. With regular practice of this asana, concentration, mental balance, awareness and calmness in practitioner increases. An increase in height is greatest benefit of regular practice of this asana. As practitioner is relieved of constipation, all complaints of abdomen are cured. Laziness disappears and practitioner feels fresh. The nervous system is enthused with new energy by practice of this asana.

During practice of this asana, entire body weight is balanced on toes and area of foot just behind it. Nerves connected to all the main organs that are situated in this area feel adequate pressure and remain active and balanced thus positively effecting organs, too. This asana also affects pituitary and thyroid glands.