Tadasana in general is the starting position for all the standing poses. But it’s useful to practice Tadasana as a steady posture by itself. Stay in the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute, breathing easily.
You can do this before and after a few rounds of Sun Salutations. Tune into your body and feel the difference.
It’s a very good posture to help with grounding. Especially beneficial when done outdoors, standing barefoot on Mother Earth.
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, Maria in May 2007.Maria in plough pose, September 2011, Corindi Beach, NSWMaria in plough pose, February 2020.Maria in plough pose variation, Februray 2020.Maria in plough pose variation, Februray 2020.
(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.
Hatha Yoga Ipswich 