Halasana or “plough pose” is one of the Prana Vashya™ Primary Series finishing postures and promotes a sense of calmness and clarity of mind.
How to get into the position
From lying down on your mat in Shavasana a.k.a “corpse pose”, inhale and come up into Sarvangasana or “shoulder-stand pose” and place your palms on the floor. Then exhale and bend from the hip joints to slowly lower your big toes to the floor behind your head. Keep your torso perpendicular to the floor and your legs fully extended. Fix your vision / gaze on your belly button. Protect your neck; do not turn your head in the position.
On each inhalation, breath into your chest and press your palms to the floor. On each exhalation, lift your knee caps and waist to engage your leg muscles; lifting your waist above your shoulders and not above your forehead.
Halasana is usually performed after Sarvangasana for five full breaths.
Benefits
Halasana:
· Helps you sleep at night
· Strengthens spine and neck
· Stretches the shoulders and spine
· Stimulates the abdominal organs, solar plexus chakra and the thyroid gland
Contraindications
Avoid this posture if you have any neck injuries or diarrhoea.