What is Halasana

Halasana is a combination of the Sanskrit words “hala” which means plow and asana which means posture. Halasana or plow pose is an asana and it gets its name from the plow which is a popular farming tool used in Indian culture to prepare soil for sowing crops. This pose has been given this name because the shape of this pose resembles the tool plow and like that it also prepares the “field” of the body and mind for rejuvenation. It is the best yoga that one can practice early in the morning and for this the stomach and bowels should be empty.

Halasana increases the blood circulation and also releases stress and tension in the throat and neck. If any mucus is accumulated in the respiratory system or sinuses, this asana helps to eliminate it. Halasana treats and calms the nervous systems. It balances the secretions in the glands and removes the toxins from urinary and digestive tracts. It helps to relieve hypertension and also treats the reproductive problems in women. However this asana is not recommended for beginners as it may cause muscle pain if not performed correctly.

Yoga includes both physical and mental discipline to increase muscle flexibility and body tone and gives relief from stress and anxiety. It is very beneficial for school children, athletes, fitness enthusiasts and even seniors.

1. It strengthens the neck, shoulders and back muscles.
2. It stimulates the abdominal organs, thyroid glands, throat and lungs.
3. It reduces stress and fatigue.
4. It also calms down the brain and nervous system which enhances improved memory and concentration power.
5. It is good for diabetes patients as it normalizes the sugar level in blood.
6. It treats the symptoms of menopause, infertility, insomnia, headaches and sinusitis.
7. It strengthens the immune system.
8. It helps tone the legs and stretches the shoulders and spine. It stretches the muscles and ligament in the legs and thighs and provides flexibility.
9. Promotes good digestion as it regulates the appetite and massages the digestive organs.
10. It treats cramps in legs.
11. It helps to lose weight as it regulates the metabolism.
12. It is helpful for women as it improves circulation to the reproductive organs and thus increases their efficiency. It also helps to strengthen the lower back and sacral area thus preventing lower back pain during menstruation.
13. Therapeutic applications:

• Asthma
• Cough and cold
• Constipation