Benefits of Halasana or Yoga Plough Pose
The plough pose or halasana is an important yoga posture. This asana or pose belongs to the category of inversions. It is regarded by many as a beginner level pose, but can still be extremely challenging for any practitioner new to it.
As with any of the other yoga postures, the halasan or yoga plough pose is not meant to be practiced individually as an exercise in itself, but as a part of a sequence of poses. In preparation for the plough pose it would be a good idea to practice the Shoulderstand and then move into the plough position. The Supported Shoulderstand or Salamba Sarvangasana and the Bridge Pose or Salamba Sarvangasana, also serve as preparatory poses to the halasan.
The plough pose is as beneficial as it is challenging. Here are some of the health benefits of halasana.
If you are an advanced student and are very comfortable with the pose you can try and make it a little more challenging. If you are to keep your feet on the floor, the pose would be regarded as being on the intermedfiate or advanced level. No matter how confident you maybe however, do not attempt to practice the pose in this manner unless you have adequate experience or are doing it under the watchful eye of a skilled yoga instructor.
Warnings:
Keep in mind however that the halasana should not be attempted if you suffer from any injury to the spine, shoulders, or the neck. Patients suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure should also refrain from this posture. There are a number of poses that are recommended during pregnancy, but this one should not be attempted, at least during the first trimester. Like most other inversions, the plough pose should not be practiced while menstruating either.
As with any of the other yoga postures, the halasan or yoga plough pose is not meant to be practiced individually as an exercise in itself, but as a part of a sequence of poses. In preparation for the plough pose it would be a good idea to practice the Shoulderstand and then move into the plough position. The Supported Shoulderstand or Salamba Sarvangasana and the Bridge Pose or Salamba Sarvangasana, also serve as preparatory poses to the halasan.
The plough pose is as beneficial as it is challenging. Here are some of the health benefits of halasana.
- The plough pose provides an intense stretch for the neck, while it also stretches and improves flexibility in the spine.
- It also works on the nervous system, in that it acts as a stimulant for the nerves in the spine.
- In terms of mental health it is a calming posture that helps to achieve focus and rejuvenation.
- The plough pose is also extremely beneficial for circulation, improving blood flow and lymph circulation.
- The movements in this pose also act as a stimulant for the thyroid glands and abdominal organs.
- It also helps strengthen your immune system.
- The position is often recommended for those who suffer from stiffness, obesity, constipation, indigestion, arthritis, or muscular rheumatism.
If you are an advanced student and are very comfortable with the pose you can try and make it a little more challenging. If you are to keep your feet on the floor, the pose would be regarded as being on the intermedfiate or advanced level. No matter how confident you maybe however, do not attempt to practice the pose in this manner unless you have adequate experience or are doing it under the watchful eye of a skilled yoga instructor.
Warnings:
Keep in mind however that the halasana should not be attempted if you suffer from any injury to the spine, shoulders, or the neck. Patients suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure should also refrain from this posture. There are a number of poses that are recommended during pregnancy, but this one should not be attempted, at least during the first trimester. Like most other inversions, the plough pose should not be practiced while menstruating either.