Halasana – The Plough Pose
ha-laa-suh-nuh.
Hal = Plow.
Asana = Steady Pose or Posture.
This posture is not suitable for the absolute beginner. It releases tension through the shoulders, back, neck, hamstrings, and calves. This posture also helps to balance the endocrine system.
How to Perform Halasana
Lie on your back, for extra comfort you may use a blanket, if you are, position yourself with your shoulders on the blanket and your head and neck on the floor.
Place your arms on the floor, alongside your body and extend them towards the front of your mat with palms facing down. Press into your palms and roll your knees in towards your forehead allowing your hips to leave the floor.
Slowly and carefully bring your feet up and over your head until your toes touch the floor behind your head.
If possible keep your legs straight, if you find this uncomfortable soften your knees and do not put your feet on the floor.
When in this position do not move your head.
Bring your palms together and interlace your fingers keeping arms straight. Or you may place your hands onto your lower back for support.
Breathe slowly, it is possible that your breath will feel a little restricted due to the position of your body, just focus on breathing slowly and smoothly.
This posture teaches us to breathe in difficult situations.
It is not suitable during pregnancy, or if your suffer from high blood pressure or glaucoma.
This blog article was written by Sue Fuller creator of the Yoga 2 Hear range of audio yoga classes and yoga teacher training courses.
