Trikonasana, or Triangle Pose, is a fundamental standing posture in yoga practice. The name comes from the Sanskrit words ‘tri’ meaning three, ‘kona’ meaning angle or corner, and ‘asana’ meaning pose, referring to the triangular shape formed by the body in this position. To practice Trikonasana, one begins standing with feet wide apart, turns one foot outward 90 degrees, extends the arms parallel to the floor, and then reaches sideways while hinging at the hip. The lower hand reaches toward the floor (touching the shin, ankle, or floor depending on flexibility) while the upper arm extends toward the ceiling, creating a straight line from one hand to the other. The head typically turns to gaze at the upper hand. Trikonasana strengthens the legs, stretches the hamstrings, opens the chest and shoulders, and lengthens the spine. It improves balance and stability while creating space in the torso, benefiting the digestive organs. Regular practice can help alleviate back pain, reduce stress, and improve overall posture. The pose is typically held for 30 seconds to one minute on each side.
