The yoga plow or halasana pose is one of the semi-investment asanasmost used in the sessions of this discipline, since it is suitable for all levels. The semi-inverted asanas, in which the heart is above the head (in the inverted are the feet that should be above the head), as the plow help us improve blood circulation and release the load of the lumbar area.
The position of the plow, although it may seem very complicated at first glance, it really is not so much if we follow all the steps and progressions. We explain how to get to the position of the plow or halasana and what are its benefits for your body.
The benefits of the plow or halasana pose
The plow pose gets its name because of its resemblance to an Indian plow. In it, the hip is placed above our scapular waist , bringing the feet back and towards the ground, and stretching the arms in the opposite direction.
The benefits of the plow pose are numerous for our body: it helps us to stretch the entire posterior chain of our body , especially the hamstring area, and also to stretch our spine. It is also beneficial to strengthen our arms that, by exerting pressure against the ground, are responsible for bearing a part of our weight. In addition, the entry and exit to this position will make us work the middle area of our body.
How the Yoga plow pose is made
We began lying face up on the mat, with arms stretched out on both sides of the body and the palms of the hands resting against the floor. From there we raise our legs stretched to form a 90 degree angle and slowly bring our legs back at the same time that our hips rise towards the ceiling , placing it above the scapular waist. Finally, we support our feet on the ground while the arms exert pressure on the ground.
The weight of the body is distributed between the arms, the shoulders and the tip of the feet: in no case is it on the neck, which is relaxed. This is one of the most common fears among people who feel a little intimidated by this position: it is important that we put the weight of the body in the right places to avoid possible injuries.
To perform this position, especially with beginners, it is important the help of the instructor or teacher , who can guide the legs little by little until they are placed in the correct place, besides supervising that the arms are active and that the hip reaches Stand above the shoulders.
In addition to being a beneficial posture at the physical level, it is also a psychological level : many Yoga practitioners believe that it is a position that is very difficult to reach when it is really quite simple, and the fact that they are able to take it to out without major problems is usually a great source of energy for them.