Halasana

Explanation:
The reference of this Asana is not found in any old text. It is a very important Asana which has come through tradition. It is know as Halasana because in its final position the body resembles the shape of Indian plough.

Technique :-

1. Take supine position hands straight by the side of thighs, palm resting on the gorund.
   
   
2. Slowly raise your legs together without bending at knees by pressing your hands and stop at 30° angle.
   
   
3. After few seconds raise your legs further up to 60° angle and maintain.
   
   
4. Now slowly bring the legs at 90° angle.
   
   
5. Pressing both the hands bring the legs little towards the head.
   
   
6. Continue the bending of legs till toes touch the ground and then stretch your legs backward as far as possible.
   
   
7. Now place both the palms on the head making finger lock. Bring the elbows on the ground.
   
   
8. While returning back to the original position first release the finger-lock. Stretch the hands straight and place them on the ground by the side of the body.
   
   
9. Lower the waist and raise the legs from the ground. Slowly let the waist rest on the ground and stop bringing the legs at 90° angle.
   
   
10. Slowly come back to the original position.

Remember :-

1. Do not bend legs at the knees while raising them up.
   
   
2. Do not raise the legs by giving jerk.
   
   
3. After reaching the angle of 90° go ahead carefully balancing your weight. Sometimes due to gravitational force, the legs may fall backward on the ground with jerk, therefore, control yourself.
   
   
4. While stretching the legs backward balance your weight on the hands and also while returning use hands for balancing the weight.
   
   
5. Do not forcibly stretch your legs if they are not in a position to touch the ground. Stretch them as far as they are stretched easily. Maintain it. Gradual practice will make body capable of moving forward and flexibility will be developed.

Benefits and Limitations :-

1. Due to the disturbance of abdominal muscles if there is a complaint of Dyspepsia or constipation, it can be corrected by the practice of this Asana.
   
   
2. The practice of this Asana is also useful in certain types of diabetes.
   
   
3. Maximum benefits of Halasana can be derived when Bhujangasana is practised immediately after Halasana.
   
   
4. Those suffering from cervical spondilitis or stiffness in spine should practise it very carefully.