Ashwanasana Yoga (Holy Fig Tree Pose): Basics, Steps, Benefits & More

Ashwanasana Yoga is an asymmetric balancing yoga pose and Holly Fig Tree Pose in English, which is suitable for beginners. Some consider it a form of Vrikshasana or tree pose where the yogi stands on one leg, the other leg behind, one arm up and the other out. The body is spread out like a fig tree and is spread out in three different levels while balancing on one leg.

Ashwanasana Yoga Basics

Meaning

This beginner’s level pose has mental and emotional benefits as well as physical benefits and also improves the sense of balance in space. It promotes static awareness and opening the body wide and stretching are key aspects of this standing-balance pose.

Ashwanasana can also be called Ashwatasana and is often referred to as Sacred Fig Pose or Pipal Tree Pose in English.

Holly Fig Tree Pose can be a wonderful addition to yoga as a creative way for kids or teens. However, for many people this easy pose can be a challenging exercise. Beginners can practice Tree Pose or Tightrope Balancing Pose to build strength and balance.

Holy Fig Tree Pose or Ashvanasana is named after the sacred fig tree under which the Buddha is believed to have been meditating upon attaining enlightenment.

Practice Guide For Ashwanasana Yoga

The practice guide to perform Holy Fig Tree Pose serves as a valuable resource for yoga enthusiasts seeking to advance their practice, offering a structured and detailed approach to mastering this asana.

Preparatory Poses

• Mountain Pose
• Tree Pose
• Eagle Pose
• Warrior Pose II

Steps For Ashwanasana Yoga – Holy Fig Tree Pose

1. Begin standing straight or yoga Tadasana with feet between 2 feet apart, feeling balanced and grounded.

2. Inhale and stretch the right arm upward toward the ceiling so that the right side of the body becomes one straight line.

3. Bring the left arm out to the side and up to shoulder height, parallel to the ground, the palm should be facing the floor.

4. Inhale and bring the left leg slightly out behind the body and up. toes

5. Firmly press the right leg into the floor for stability, squeezing the buttocks, and feel a sense of balance, Focus on a non-moving point across the room.

6. Exhaling put the left foot on the ground, and while inhaling lift the left foot off the ground.

7. Try to count to 5 breathing steadily (or 20-30 seconds) then lower the left foot.

8. At any moment, if you feel you are losing balance, exhale and gently put your toes of left foot on the ground.

9. Once the balance has been regained, lift the left foot again and continue.

10. Come back to Tree pose at the end and repeat on the opposite side.

Holy Fig Tree Pose Benefits

Like all balancing asanas, along with its physical benefits, Ashvanasana is considered helpful in achieving mental and emotional balance. The challenge is to maintain this balance, even when physical balance is difficult to achieve. By practicing this, the yogi can learn to become less attached to the results of the pose and focus more on the practice.

Ashwasana is also considered beneficial for increasing concentration. It can be practiced statically or dynamically, moving in and out of the pose.

Ashvanasana stretches and strengthens the muscles of the legs, hips, lower back, arms and shoulders.

Since balance posture increases the flow of energy (prana) and increased prana flow brings balance in body-breath-mind.

Precautions

• Avoid if there is at the hip, ankle, or knee joints, feet, arms, and shoulders injury.
• Pregnant women
• Lack of Body-Breath Awareness
• Lack of balance should avoid holding this pose for long periods of time

Conclusion

Ashwanasana Yoga is a beginner-friendly yoga pose with a variation of the Tree pose. A basic standing balanced on one leg strengthens the arms, shoulder, hand, and legs, also relieves stress and calms the mind, Boosts energy, and Improves proprioception (perception of body in space).