Among the many asanas or postures of Yoga discussed in the standard book on Hatha Yoga, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Halasana occupies an important position in the sense that it is characterized by many medical and physical benefits. Halasana is actually the counter pose of Bhujangasana or the Serpent Hood Posture, both poses are wonderful for men to perform. Experts in the execution of various postures of Yoga say that Halasana can be attempted only by those that are adept in the performance of Sarvangasana. A beginner who has not attempted Sarvangasana should not directly attempt to be in the Halasana posture.
The nomenclature associated with this asana has an interesting derivation to explain. The Sanskrit word ‘Hala’ means the ‘traditional Indian plough’. Hence a person who settles in Halasana resembles a traditional Indian plough in its full posture. The performance of Halasana requires a certain amount of skill on the part of the practitioner. If you are intent on practicing Halasana then the first thing you should do is lie down on the floor or on the Yoga mat with your head facing upward. Ensure your hands do not bear any pressure. Press your palms on the ground or on the Yoga mat and begin to exhale. As the next step you will have to lift your lower back and hips from the ground.
The legs have to be raised and moved above your head without bending the knees. Now comes the toughest part of the asana. You will have to ensure that the legs are raised and lowered behind your head so that the toes of the feet touch the surface of the ground above your head. You should now inhale. Breathing should be done quite normally. Retention of the breath should not be tried in the initial stages though. The spine has to form a good curve. Like Sarvangasana chin lock takes place in Halasana too. In the final position your head should be encircled by the clasped hands. Be firm in the final position for about two minutes. The time may be increased as you become more adept.
It is important to return back to the normal position from the otherwise tough posture of Halasana. You will have to ensure that your legs are back to their normal position on the floor. For this you will have to put your abdominal muscles to good use. Halasana in an asana that needs the supervision of a guru because of the fact that improper execution of this asana may lead to physical problems. On the other hand if Halasana is carried out properly then it brings about countless benefits to the practitioner.
Halasana brings about great benefits to men. Diabetes gets controlled because of the impact of Halasana on the pancreas. Blood pressure can be controlled by the regular practice of Halasana. On the other hand people that already suffer from high blood pressure should not attempt Halasana. The regular practice of Halasana cures headaches and asthma too. Your digestive system gets regularized. Persons with arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis get cured by the regular practice of Halasana. Joint pains are answered well by Halasana. Tension in the neck and the lower back gets lowered by the regular practice of Halasana. One of the major benefits of Halasana is that it removes fatigue and inertness of the mind and the body. Sex glands get toned up nicely by the performance of Halasana. This asana is beneficial to children and the youth in the sense that it causes an increase in their height. Halasana rejuvenates the body and the mind.