| The Plough - (Halasana) | | | | Whether you are flexible or not the gravity aids The |
| Yoga is a life of self-discipline. Yoga is a way of life. | | | | Plough so be careful that your body weight does not |
| Yoga is a system. | | | | pull you too far into the asana, out of your safe zone. |
| We can see our life as a triangle. From the moment | | | | The Plough is a preparatory pose to the Sitting |
| we are born to the age of around 18 we are in the | | | | Forward Bend. If you can improve Halasana (Plough) |
| zone of growth where the anabolic process takes | | | | the resulting mobility of your back will enable you to |
| place (rate of cells rejuvenation exceeds rate of cell | | | | perform Paschimottanasana (Sitting Forward Bend) |
| decay). Then we enter the youth and equilibrium zone | | | | well. |
| where the anabolic and catabolic process is in perfect | | | | As a counter pose practice the Fish (Matsyasana) or |
| balance. This zone will last to the age of around 35 | | | | the Camel (Ushtrasana). If possible practice the Plough |
| and then we find ourselves in an aging zone, called the | | | | after Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana). |
| old age zone where the catabolic process (rate of cell | | | | The Plough strengthens and massages the abdominal |
| decaying exceeds rate of cell rejuvenating) starts, | | | | muscles relieving constipation and indigestion. It |
| resulting in suffering, pain and disease. | | | | releases tension from the shoulders and upper back. It |
| To retard the catabolic process the system of yoga | | | | tones the spinal nerves and increases blood circulation |
| was developed giving people the opportunity to live | | | | to the whole area. It helps to develop inner balance |
| healthier and happier life. | | | | and mental relaxation. It also calms the brain. |
| The system of yoga involves five main principles: | | | | Three important reasons (out of many) not to do |
| exercise (asana), breathing (pranayama), relaxation | | | | Plough: |
| (shavasana), diet and meditation. To slow down the | | | | 1) A person with hernia should avoid this asana. |
| aging process one principle cannot exist without | | | | 2) Anyone with slipped disc, sciatica or serious back |
| another. This is the holistic approach towards life. | | | | pain should never attempt to practice this asana. |
| The Plough is a very dynamic and extreme forward | | | | 3) If you have neck injury, please do not do this |
| bending posture promoting strength and flexibility in the | | | | posture. |
| back and the neck. When practiced it gives the | | | | Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga |
| resemblance of a plough cutting through the soil, hence | | | | by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London. |
| the name. | | | | |