Tadasana is one of the most basic and fundamental postures that exist within the asana practice. All other postures are merely derivatives of this master pose. Tad means mountain and asana translates as posture or pose. As surprising as it may sound most people have not mastered the whole standing thing! Below are some tips to master the posture and it’s benefits:
Alignment:
- Stand with feet together: big toes touching and heels slightly apart
- Inner ankles, knees, inner thighs touch
- Gentle lift the toes of the ground, engaging the inner arches, and equally distributing the weight in your feet
- Lift through the inseam of the legs
- Draw the tail bone down towards the ground and the frontal hip point up
- The navel lifts in and up towards the spine
- Hands are either in anajali mudra at the heart or arms hang loosely by the body with the palms facing forward
- Draw the Shoulder-blades down the back and away from the ears
- Tuck the chin slightly
- Lengthen through the crown of the head towards the sky
Physical Benefits:
- Helps to create space within the body, allowing internal organs to work more efficiently
- Can drastically improve respiration as well as digestion and circulation
- Improves posture
- Strengthens thighs, knees, and ankles
- Increases body awareness
- Steadies breathing
- Increases strength, power, and mobility in the feet, legs, and hips
- Firms abdomen and buttocks
- Relieves sciatica
- Reduces flat feet
- Develops strength and flexibility simultaneously, especially in the spine
- Relieves tension, aches, and pains throughout the body
- Improves blood circulation
- Encourages healthy digestion and elimination
Psychological & Spiritual Benefits:
- Leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated
- Expels dullness and depression
- Harmonizes the body and mind
- Increases energy and enthusiasm