Do you want to enhance your agility and strength? Learn how to use Halasana yoga to get results. Keep reading to find out more!
Plough posture, also known as Halasana, originates from the Sanskrit terms Hala, which means ‘plough’, and Asana, which means ‘pose’.
Here, you will learn what Halasana is, the benefits of Halasana, how to do it, and when to avoid doing it.
What is Halasana?
Halasana, also referred to as the inversion circulation pose or the plough pose, is a popular yoga posture that is known for its ability to improve flexibility, strengthen the body, and enhance overall wellbeing.
It is an intermediate pose that you may modify according to your requirements.
This asana is done towards the end of a yoga session. The person who is doing this pose lies on their back. The feet have to be positioned behind the head and must touch the floor.
There are two variations of Halasana:
- Ardhahalasana
Ardhahalasana is also known as the half plough position. It involves keeping both legs at an angle of 90 degrees and making the body resemble half the shape of a plough. - Halasana
Halasana is also known as full plough pose. It requires bending forward while resting on one’s back and stretching one’s hands and feet on the floor.
Halasana Benefits
There are several benefits of Halasana yoga that help improve a person’s physical as well as mental health.
You can reap the most benefits of Halasana when you do Bhujangasana soon after Halasana.
Here are some of the Halasana benefits:
1. Improves digestive function
The plough pose is a good remedy for a variety of digestive issues. Junk food and unhealthy eating habits disturb the digestive system, causing issues such as indigestion and constipation. Through gentle massage, this pose stimulates the digestive system and strengthens the colon. This results in the proper absorption and digestion of the food consumed.
2. Improves spinal flexibility
One of the primary benefits of Halasana yoga is its ability to improve spinal flexibility.
This pose involves stretching the entire length of the spine, from the cervical spine to the lumbar spine. This can help to alleviate tension in the back and neck, improve posture, and increase overall spinal mobility.
3. Helps in diabetes management
Halasana is known to help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. When you practice Halasana, the muscles in your body become more receptive to insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels.
4. Improves thyroid functioning
Thyroid problems are nowadays one of the most common ailments, affecting individuals of all ages.
Research shows thyroid issues have improved with regular yoga practise including Halasana.
Researchers believe that this can be due to the neck extension, flexion, vibration component, or compression improving blood flow to the neck and adjacent areas, including the thyroid gland, which could result in enhanced thyroid gland functioning.
5. Reduces stress and depression
Halasana yoga posture relieves both mental and physical fatigue. This yoga asana can also help with posture improvement. Halasana helps in relieving depression and insomnia and aids in calming your brain.
6. Helps with hamstring tightness
If you suffer from tight hamstrings and lower back pain, consider trying Halasana. This pose helps stretch the entire back, including the spine and hamstrings. Practicing Halasana regularly can help increase flexibility and mobility, relieving tension in the hamstrings. The pose also helps relax the muscles and ligaments in the calves and thighs.
7. Improves the circulation of blood
The plough posture involves reverse blood circulation or redirecting the flow of blood to the upper extremities from the lower extremities of the body. This asana facilitates blood reaching the tips of all nerves and glands.
8. Aids in weight loss
The daily practise of Halasana aids in the natural shedding of excess fat. It burns fat, giving you a slimmer waist and thereby assisting in weight loss.
How to do a Halasana?
The steps for doing Halasana are easy and simple. These are:
- The first thing is to lie flat on the back with both arms on the floor. Inhale and raise your leg to a 90-degree angle.
- Exhale slowly, pushing your legs behind your head. Try to keep the elbows and shoulders as near as possible.
- Maintain the posture for 20 minutes.
- Exhale and gently return to the starting position.
Who should not do Halasana?
If you suffer from any of these medical issues, avoid practising Halasana:
- Diarrhoea
- Neck pain
- Elevated blood pressure
Women should avoid Halasana during pregnancy and refrain from it during the initial two days of their periods.
Halasana can put a strain on the body and worsen some health concerns, for instance, spondylitis. If you are suffering from chronic health issues or spinal diseases, see a doctor.
Takeaway
In conclusion, Halasana, or the plough pose, is a powerful yoga posture that offers a range of health benefits for the mind and body. The regular practise of Halasana can improve spinal flexibility, stimulate the thyroid gland, reduce stress and anxiety, enhance digestion, and increase blood circulation. So, whether you are a seasoned yogi or just starting your yoga journey, incorporating Halasana into your practise can help enhance your overall well-being and promote a more balanced and harmonious life.
