Halasana yoga pose gets its name from the Hindi term, ‘plough’, a tool used in Indian agriculture to make the soil ready for sowing crops. Metaphorically, it makes the body ready for energizing and rejuvenation.
The sedentary lifestyles and desk job culture has affected our backs severely. Halasana is a full-body yoga pose that acts on our weary back. Read the full article for the preparatory poses and the benefits of the yoga pose.
Halasana Preparatory Poses
Halasana requires strength of the cervical and shoulder for an effective experience. Hence, there are some preparatory poses which are relatively easy to perform. These yoga poses make the body ready to perform halasana yoga poses easily.
1. Bridge Pose
The pose is also known as Setubandha Sarvangasana. In the pose, the body comes in the form of a bridge which is helpful to increase the flexibility of the spine. The body weight comes to the neck and shoulder which helps them strengthen for the Halasana pose. Breathing while performing the pose helps perform the pose much longer.
2. Wind Release pose
Also known as Pavan Muktasana, Wind Release Pose helps in tackling indigestion in the body. The pose is performed to release any unwanted air/gas in the lower abdomen. The Halasana preparatory pose also acts to open the lower back, making it easier to perform the Halasana pose.
3. Half Plow Pose
The last performed Halasana preparatory pose primarily acts on the strengthening of abdominal muscles and shoulders. Also known as Ardha Halsana, the legs at 90 degrees impart full body pressure on the spine and abdomen. Hence, strengthening them and making them flexible for the Halasana pose.
How To Do Halasana
Plough Pose Benefits
1. Stress Relief
The pose releases all muscle tension and relieves the strains in your muscle. You may unwind in the plough pose, which relieves stress and anxiety physically and emotionally. You can feel more rested and at peace if you give yourself some time to unwind.
2. Back Pain Prevention
One of the primary plough yoga pose benefits is back pain prevention. It stretches the back muscles and acts to increase your spinal flexibility and suppleness. Halasana can be one of the best yoga poses for relieving back pain as it works to strengthen the spinal cord and back muscles.
3. Healthy Digestion
Good digestion is the primary angle of sound wellbeing. In the plough pose, abdominal muscles are kept to work. Hence, the yoga pose strengthens them and enhances their functioning. The pose helps with constipation and activates effective digestion. It also helps in releasing unwanted air/gas in the abdominal muscles.
4. Better Sleep
The plough pose is beneficial for a night of deep sleep. It relaxes the whole body and relieves any strains in body parts. During the pose when you put pressure on your neck you are activating the parasympathetic nervous system’s functionality. It relaxes your neck and shoulder muscles and enhances your sleep experience for you.
5. Beneficial for diabetes
The plough pose is advantageous for the whole body. It increases blood flow, raises blood pressure, and reduces blood sugar levels, all of which are beneficial for managing diabetes. The reduction of blood sugar levels is beneficial for diabetic patients.
Plough Yoga Poses A Danger
Halasana, if not did properly can cause severe injuries. Avoid this yoga if you are worried about blood rushing to your head because of sinus, ear, or eye problems.
If you are menstruating or expecting, you shouldn’t do Halasana. Halasana should be postponed if you feel weak or exhausted.
While your heart is higher than your head, applying pressure to your head and neck may produce or exacerbate headache symptoms. You might want to limit your time doing the yoga pose if you frequently have headaches.
FAQs
- When should Halasana be avoided?
Halasana yoga poses should be avoided in a case like neck injuries, diarrhoea, and high blood pressure. Menstruating and pregnant women must avoid the yoga pose. If you have a history of spinal injuries, consult your doctor before practising the pose.
- Can heart patients do Halasana?
People with heart diseases should avoid the Halasana yoga pose as the inversion pose puts pressure on the heart to pump blood faster. It also forces the heart to circulate blood in the lower body against gravity which may be dangerous in the case of heart patients.
- Who should not does a plough pose?
People with cervical muscles that are weak or damaged, weak hamstring or calf muscles, or weak legs should not perform Halasana. The pose should not be performed by women who are pregnant or who are menstruating. It places a lot of pressure on the lower abdomen and should be avoided by people with enlarged thyroid, spleen, or liver.