The term Trikonasana has been derived from the words 'trikona', which means triangle, and 'asana', which means posture. In other words, in the asana, your body is stretched in such a way that a triangle-like shape is formed. As your perform the Trikonasana, your entire body weight comes to rest on the calves of the bent legs, along with the muscles of the hand that is resting on the floor, strengthening both of them in turn. Other than that, a number of muscles are stretched well, which results in an improvement in their functioning. The asana also improves balance and concentration

Instructions

* Stand straight on a flat and firm ground.
* Stretch your legs outwards, maintaining a distance of 2½ feet.
* Now, move your left foot outwards, at an angel of about 90 degrees.
* Bring the right foot inwards, at an angel of about 45 degrees.
* Start inhaling and raise your arms till the time they are parallel to the ground.
* Now, as your start exhaling, turn your head towards the left.
* Focus your gaze down your left arm, towards the stretched out fingers and ensure that your left knee is in alignment with the left ankle.
* Take a deep breath and start stretching your body towards the left side, lowering the left hip and raising the right one, as far as you feel comfortable.
* Now, spin around your arms. You need to let your left hand go down, coming to rest on the floor, along with left foot. As for the right hand, it should be pointing straight up.
* Turn around in a way that your gaze focuses on the right hand.
* Stay in the position for 1-2 minutes, while taking deep breaths.
* Exhale once more and slowly start lowering your arms.
* Bring your hands to rest on your hips.
* Now, turning on your heels, bring your feet in front, once again.
* Repeat the asana with the right leg.

Tips

* Throughout the asana, make sure to keep your lower back completely straight.
* Whenever you twist your body while performing the asana, ensure that you do not twist along the hips as well.

Benefits

* Trikonasana has been known to help strengthen the legs as well as the back of a person.
* While doing this asana, you stretch the groins, hamstrings and hips, thereby increasing their flexibility.
* Trikonasana helps open up the chest and shoulders of a person and also increases the lateral flexibility of the spine.
* Performing this asana on a regular is believed to help strengthen and stimulate the kidneys as well as the abdominal region.
* Trikonasana, since it develops the muscles along the spine and strengthens neck muscles, alleviates backaches and neck pain.
* Indulging in this asana, on a regular basis, goes a long way in removing fat from the waist and thighs.
* Trikonasana is especially beneficial for those who are suffering from constipation and indigestion.
* This asana helps stimulate appetite and also brings relief from stiffness in the legs and hips

Caution

* You should not perform this asana if you are suffering from back or spinal injuries.
* In case you are afflicted by low pressure, headache or diarrhea, this asana is not for you.