Trikonasana, from Sanskrit “tri” which stands for three, “kona” meaning angle and “asana” meaning pose, is one of the triangle-shaped standing yoga poses that emphasize balance and stability. This includes a very wide sideways stretch of the body in which one arm reaches down to the ground and the other one goes up. It gives a sensation of vastness and spaciousness.

How to Do It:

• Initially, stand at the front of your mat with your feet about 3-4 feet distant from each other and face forward.
• With your right foot out 90 degrees and left foot slightly inwards, but aligned with each other, turn out both feet.
• Take a deep breath and bring your arms slightly out from your body with your palms facing down and in line with your shoulders.
• On exhalation, extend your right arm to your right foot, leaning at the hips, while at the same time, keeping your left arm stretched up towards the sky.
• Make sure that your chest is open and your spine is straight as you lower the right hand down to the shin, ankle or the floor (whichever position is suitable for you), keeping the left arm extended toward the ceiling.
• You can either look at the ground or your left fingertips as you align yourself and gain your balance.
• Continue holding the pose for several breaths, then inhale slowly as you come up to the starting point.

Benefits:

• Stretches and Strengthens: Trikonasana lengthens and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles. Furthermore it lengthens the hips, hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest as well as the spine.
• Improves Balance and Stability: This pose requires the person to be balanced and stable, thus, improve concentration and focus.
• Opens the Chest and Shoulders: The outstretched arms in the Triangle pose as in Trikonasana perform the same task, they open the chest and shoulders, thus improving the posture and respiratory function.
• Stimulates Abdominal Organs: The twisting action in Triangle pose gently masses the digestive organs and helps in the digestion and detoxification of the body.
• Relieves Stress and Anxiety: Taking deep breaths and focusing in this pose will enable to control your mind, lower the stress levels and reduce anxiety.

Contraindications:

• High Blood Pressure: Persons with high pressure blood should avoid or modify this pose by supplying hands to hips instead of reaching over the head.
• Neck or Spinal Injuries: Practicing Supta Baddha Konasana is not advised for people suffering from injuries to the neck or spinal area, and should be done with caution or under supervision of a trained instructor, avoiding too much of twist or strain on the spine.
• Diarrhea: Be certain not to practice Trikonasana if suffering from diarrhea since the same movement will serve to stimulate the condition more.
• Low Blood Pressure: While this can be beneficial for those with low blood pressure, it is important to ensure this is done gradually so as to avoid dizziness or light headedness.

Trikonasana is an all-round yoga pose, which is applicable to all the levels. Therefore, it can be done according to the practitioner’s level, mainly the increase in strength, flexibility, and health.