Sanskrit: Halasana
hah-LAHS-anna
Benefits
Increases spinal flexibility
Stretches the shoulders
Stimulates the thyroid gland
Massages the internal organs
Boosts immunity
Relieves stress and fatigue
Standard Cues
Lie on your back with your arms alongside your body, palms facing down. Inhale and use momentum to reach your feet toward the sky.
Support your lower back with your hands. Press your palms into the back of your torso to straighten the spine, and press your upper arms into the ground.
Exhale and slowly lower your toes toward the floor, beyond your head.
Release your hands from your lower back and interlace your fingers on the floor.
Squeeze your shoulders together and tuck them underneath you.
Stay in Plow pose for up to five minutes. To release, unclasp your hands and place the palms flat on the floor. Keeping your chin tucked into your chest, exhale and slowly roll all the way down to the floor.
Short Cues and options
Breathe shallow breaths into the throat.
Try to straighten the legs.
Precautionary Warnings
Avoid if you have back injury