Tree pose is often practiced in a Moksha yoga class as part of the standing series.
Moksha yoga is a form of hot yoga founded in 2004 by two yogis in Toronto that was designed with social consciousness in mind. The practice of Moksha yoga involves a series of poses that are done in a room heated between 95 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Although similar to Bikram, the sequence and variations of Moksha poses vary according to the instructor and class style.
Savasana -- Corpse Pose
All Moksha yoga practices begin and end with Savasana, also known as Corpse pose or Dead Man's pose. To do this pose, the practitioner simply lies on his back, lets his legs and arms fall freely to the side, closes his eyes and begins to breathe deeply. Savasana is meant to calm the brain, relax the body, reduce stress, headache and fatigue, and lower the blood pressure. This allows the body to prepare itself for a concentrated practice and reenergize at the end of a practice.
Standing Poses
Following Savasana are the standing poses, which can include forward-bending poses, Triangle pose, Revolved Triangle pose, all three Warrior poses, Eagle pose, Dancer's pose, twisting poses, Crescent Lunge, and Downward and Upward Dog poses. All of these poses are meant to create heat in the body, strengthen muscles, and improve balance and flexibility. The heated room also induces sweating, allowing the body to detoxify.
Seated Poses
After the standing poses, another Savasana may follow. However, some Moksha yoga practices move straight on to the seated poses. Some of these poses include backbends such as Camel pose, Bow pose and Wheel pose; spinal twists; and leg and hip stretches. The practice of these poses is meant to strengthen and open the muscles in the lower body.
Lying Down Poses
After seated poses, the other poses practiced on the floor involve lying down on the floor on either the stomach or the back. Some such poses are the Wind Relieving pose, Needle pose and Cobra pose, as well as some inversions like Plough pose and Legs-Up-the-Wall pose. These poses are meant to improve flexibility by stretching muscles after the body has been sufficiently warmed up and preparing the body for a final and deep relaxation in the closing Savasana.
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