Plough Pose

Halasana(Plough Pose) is one of the restorative asanas and also a beginner level asanas. The sympathetic nervous system is calmed and rejuvenated by halasana. Additionally, it improves the removal of toxins from the digestive and urinary tracts and helps to maintain the balance of the glandular secretions thyroxine and adrenaline. The pose may provide relief from hypertension for those who have a propensity for it. Blood is flushed through the brain in the inverted Plough Pose, which encourages mental clarity and greater vitality.

Halasana gets its name from Hala which means “Plough” and Asana means “Pose”.  The Halasana is an excellent asana that can take you closer to meditation as it activates your Vishuddhi Chakra.

Steps to do Plough Pose / Halasana

• Lie on the mat in supine position. Keep the feet together and place the palms close to the thighs. Inhale, slowly lift the legs up to a 90 degree angle.
• Support the back with your hands and gently raise the hips & lower back, off the mat.
• Exhale extend the legs behind over the head and place the toes on the mat.
• Try to keep the back perpendicular to the mat.
• Hold the posture while breathing normally. Exhale, release the posture by bringing the legs on the floor and relax in Shavasana.

Tips for beginners

• Halasana can be challenging for beginners even if it is a beginner level asana. Preparing your body by practising Pawanamuktasana, Padahasthasana (Hands to Feet Pose), Sethu Bandhasana(Bridge Pose) and all the core strengthening asanas.

Benefits

• Stimulates the abdominal organs and the thyroid gland.
• It improves the digestive system. Very beneficial for diabetes patients.
• Calms the brain and reduces stress, anxiety.
• Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause. Therapeutic for backache, headache, infertility, insomnia, sinusitis.

Watch out for

• Avoid practising Halasana in case you suffer from slipped disc, severe back pain and neck pain, sciatica, hernia, menstruation and frequent headaches.

Variations

• Halasana can be done with props like keeping a blanket under your spine or you can use a strap to pull your legs.
• Supta Konasana(Reclining Angle Yoga Pose) is also a variation of Halasana.