Halasan
Hal → plow
asana → posture/pose
Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Benefits:
- Strengthens the spine and neck, improves posture
- Massages the digestive organs, regulates appetite and improves digestion
- Helps reduce belly fat. May also help with weight loss
- Tones the legs and thighs
- Increased blood flow to the brain to help reduce stress and fatigue
Not recommended if you:
- Have a back or neck injury
- Are suffering from high blood pressure or diarrhoea
- Are menstruating or pregnant
How to do Halasan:
- Lie flat on your back with your arms resting comfortably by your side
- Inhaling deeply and using your abdominal muscles, lift both legs simultaneously until they form a 90-degree angle to the floor and your torso
- Now supporting your hips and back with your hands, lift your hips off the floor
- Keep moving your legs until they form a 180-degree angle. Your toes will now be on the floor just beyond your head
- At this point, either leave your hands flat on the floor or clasp them lightly together
- Breathe normally and hold this pose for about a minute (or for as long as you are comfortable). Let your body relax and clear your mind
- To come out of Halasan, exhale and gently bring your legs down to your original prone position
Dos and don’ts while doing Halasan:
- Do this asana very slowly and gently. Don’t jerk your legs while moving them up or down – this will strain your back and neck and may even cause injury
- If you feel a strain in your neck, gently bring your legs back, lie back in the prone position and relax
- Support your back on the tops of your shoulders