What is Plow Pose?
Plow pose, also known as Halasana in Sanskrit, is an intermediate to advanced level yoga pose that involves inverting the body and bringing the feet over the head. It is a restorative pose that can help to calm the mind and relax the body, as well as provide a number of physical benefits.
You can practise this pose before doing pranayama, meditation, savasana, or before going to sleep. Regular practice stretches the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical regions of your spine. This increases your suppleness, relieves backache, lengthens the spine, and stretches the shoulders. Other than that, it can reduce mucus or phlegm in the respiratory system.
Benefits of Plow Pose
One of the primary benefits of plow pose is its ability to calm the mind and relax the body. When we invert our bodies, it has a natural calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. The plow yoga pose is also a great pose for relieving insomnia and other sleep disturbances, as it helps to quiet the mind and promote relaxation.
In terms of physical benefits, the plow pose yoga can help to improve flexibility in the spine and shoulders. As we age, it’s natural for our bodies to lose some of their flexibility, but practising poses like plow can help to maintain and even improve flexibility over time. Plow yoga pose can also help to strengthen the core, legs, and arms, as the muscles in these areas are engaged to support the body in the inverted position.
Halasana pose can also stimulate the thyroid gland, which is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism. By stimulating the thyroid gland, this yoga can help to improve digestion and increase energy levels. It can also help to improve circulation and support the immune system.
The pose requires the use of the core muscles to maintain balance and stability, which can help to strengthen them. Some people find that a plow pose can help to reduce fatigue and increase energy levels. It is important to note that these benefits are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. As with any yoga asana, it is important to practise with proper alignment and to use props as needed to support the body and prevent injury.
How to Do the Plow Pose?
Here are the steps for how to do the plough pose yoga:
- Lie down on your back with your arms by your sides and your palms on the ground.
- Exhale and lift your legs off the ground, bringing them up and behind your head until your toes touch the ground.
- Use your hands to support your lower back, placing them on the ground behind you with your fingers pointing towards your head.
- Keep your legs straight and your toes pointed as you lift your hips off the ground and extend your spine.
- Hold the pose for a few breaths, then slowly lower your legs back to the ground as you exhale.
It is important to practise proper alignment and to use props as needed to support the body and prevent injury. If you are not able to lift your legs all the way up, you can try using a bolster or block to support your lower back. As you become more flexible, you can try lifting your legs higher and straightening your spine more fully.
Beginner Modifications for Plow Pose
It’s important to keep a few things in mind when practising this yoga pose. First, be sure to engage your core and keep your lower back pressed against the ground to protect your spine. It’s also important to keep your neck relaxed and your shoulders down away from your ears, as this will help to prevent strain on the neck and shoulders.
This pose can be challenging for beginners, so it’s important to listen to your body and only go as far as you feel comfortable. If you are new to the pose, you may want to start with a modified version by using a yoga block or folded blanket under your head for support.
In addition to calming the mind and relaxing the body, this pose has a number of physical benefits. It can help to improve flexibility in the spine and shoulders, as well as strengthen the core, legs, and arms. Plow pose can also stimulate the thyroid gland and improve digestion.
Variations of Plow Pose
- Half Plow Pose: In this variation, the legs are raised only partially off the ground, with the hands supporting the lower back.
- Supported Plow Pose: In this variation, a bolster or other prop is placed under the lower back to support the spine.
- Wall Plow Pose: In this variation of Halasana, you have to lower your legs against a wall to provide support and stability.
- One-legged Plow Pose: In this variation, one leg is raised up while the other remains on the ground.
- Plow Pose with Bind: In this variation of Halasana, the hands are brought together in a bind behind the back as the legs and torso are raised up.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the plow pose in yoga is a great pose to add to your yoga practice. It requires some strength and flexibility, but with a little practice and patience, you’ll be able to find relaxation and rejuvenation in this restorative inversion. Remember to listen to your body and never push yourself beyond your limits, and you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of plow pose for years to come.
Incorporating this pose into your practice can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being. For those interested in deepening their yoga journey, consider enrolling in a yoga teacher training program. Rishikul Yogshala, a leading Yoga school in Rishikesh, offers comprehensive courses like the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training In Rishikesh, 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training In Rishikesh, and 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Rishikesh. These programmes are designed to help you master your practice and share the transformative power of yoga with others.
