Halasana - the plough pose

This yoga pose is also called as plough pose.   The pose got its name from the plow - a popular farming tool commonly used in Indian agriculture to prepare the soil for sowing crops.  Similarly the Halasana prepares the 'field' of the body and mind for deep rejuvenation.

The abdominal  muscles are strengthened and the halasana ensures healthy condition of the spine.  The halasana increases the flexibility of the spine and all 31 pairs of spinal nerves are well nourished.  It may be difficult in the beginning to lift the legs touch the ground above the head but it will be possible after some practice.   Till then you can try to do as much as you can.  Let us now see how we can practice the halasana - the plow pose

How to practice halasana

Here is a step by step procedure to perform the halasana.

•  First lie down on your back with your arms besides you, with palms down
• Now as you inhale, use your abdominal muscles to lift your feet off the floor, raising your legs verticaly at 90 degrees angle
• Now continue to breath normally and supporting your hips and back with your hands, lift them off the ground
• Allow your legs to sweep in a 180 degree angle over your head till your toes touch the floor.  This would be difficult in the beginning but try to make an attempt.
• Hold this pose and let your body relax with each steady breath
• After a minute of resting in this pose, you can gently bring your legs down on exhalation

Plow Pose (Halasana) usually follows Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) in Padma Sadhana sequence, and could also be followed by Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) and gently rocking the body in Pavanamuktasana.