Tag: yoga posture

Halasana

Halasana

premaria

Halasana — the plough pose

Introduction

Halasana is very similar to the shoulderstand pose. In this Asana all muscles from the neck to the heels are stretched.

As you practice, please watch your neck and keep your body symmetrical.

Physical Benefits

  • Brings fresh blood to the throat and thyroid gland.
  • Locking of the chin massages the thyroid gland.
  • Extends the cervical section of the spine giving it a powerful stretch. Same to the rest of the spine as well as hamstrings and calves.
  • During the inhalation intense pressure is applied to the abdomen giving a good stimulation to the digestive system.
  • Opens up the shoulder joints.

Energetic (Pranic) Benefits

  • Stimulates the vishuddha chakra (throat psychic center).
  • Stimulates the stomach, spleen, small intestin, heart, liver, gall bladder and kidney nadis (acupuncture meridiens). 

Mental Benefits

  • Reduces lethargy, mental sluggishness and laziness.
  • Appeases insomnia and restless sleep.

Contra-indications

Do not practice halasana if you have any neck problems.
Do not stretch too far and do not hold the posture too long.

halasana the plough pose
halasana the plough pose, Maria in May 2007.
Maria in plough pose, September 2011, Corindi Beach, NSW
Maria in plough pose, February 2020.
Maria in plough pose variation, Februray 2020.
Maria in plough pose variation, Februray 2020.

sitting spinal twist

sitting spinal twist

premaria

Ardha-Matsyendrasana or the sitting spinal twist.   

(literally Ardha stands for half = half spinal twist).

There are many benefits to this posture, but the most important is that the entire length of the spine receives a lateral twist in both directions – first to the left and then to the right.
 

Physical Benefits

  • Increases flexibility in each vertebrae of the spine, from the base of the spine through the neck
  • Stretches the back muscles and hips
  • Massages the abdominal organs, helping to relieve constipation
  • Breathing becomes more rapid, speeding up circulation and creating an aerobic effect
  • Brings more blood flow to the spine

Energetic (Pranic) Benefits

  • Helps rouse the Kundalini Shakti

Mental Benefits

  • Brings peace of mind
  • Helps to cure nervous disorders
Spinal Twist. Maria Steiner, May 2007.
 Easy version of the sitting spinal twist, with leg straight. Maria Steiner June 2023.