Yoga Pose: Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

Trikonasana is translated as three angled pose because when you perform the pose, your body shape makes triangles. (Can you spot how many?) This pose has many benefits both physical and for mental health care.

Physical benefits:

1. Strengthens and stretches hamstrings, and inner and outer thighs, hips, calves
2. Strengthens feet and ankles
3. Improves digestion
4. Improves blood flow
5. Lengthens and opens chest and spine
6. Relieves back ache

Mental Health Care Benefits:

1. Reduces anxiety
2. Increases mental stamina
3. Enlivening for symptoms of depression
4. Relieves stress

Contraindications

1. Headache
2. Diarrhea
3. High Blood pressure, Heart Problems, or Neck Problems: place bottom hand on hip. Keep gaze down in final pose.

For beginners: to make the pose more accessible

1. Place the back foot against a wall if you feel unstable
2. Use a chair or block to place the bottom hand.

This pose has also been called the “happy pose” and is known to lift symptoms of depression and anxiety because of it’s enlivening effects. Full benefits can be experienced when you hold the pose for 3 to 5 long, even breaths. Allow yourself to feel and breathe into the sensations in your body and notice how different your energy feels as you do this pose. Use your exhale to relax around the pose.

Off the Mat

As you relax and breathe into the pose, think of trials or hardships in your life that might be better dealt with if you breathe and relax into the experience rather than “muscle” through it which creates anxiety. As a treatment for depression, feel the sensations through your body as you open your chest and stretch your muscles.