Yoga: Three Reasons You Should Not Do Plough

The Plough ? (Halasana)

Yoga is a life of self-discipline. Yoga is a way of life. Yoga is a system.

We can see our life as a triangle. From the moment we are born to the age of around 18 we are in the zone of growth where the anabolic process takes place (rate of cells rejuvenation exceeds rate of cell decay). Then we enter the youth and equilibrium zone where the anabolic and catabolic process is in perfect balance. This zone will last to the age of around 35 and then we find ourselves in an aging zone, called the old age zone where the catabolic process (rate of cell decaying exceeds rate of cell rejuvenating) starts, resulting in suffering, pain and disease.

To retard the catabolic process the system of yoga was developed giving people the opportunity to live healthier and happier life.

The system of yoga involves five main principles: exercise (asana), breathing (pranayama), relaxation (shavasana), diet and meditation. To slow down the aging process one principle cannot exist without another. This is the holistic approach towards life.

The Plough is a very dynamic and extreme forward bending posture promoting strength and flexibility in the back and the neck. When practiced it gives the resemblance of a plough cutting through the soil, hence the name.
Whether you are flexible or not the gravity aids The Plough so be careful that your body weight does not pull you too far into the asana, out of your safe zone.

The Plough is a preparatory pose to the Sitting Forward Bend. If you can improve Halasana (Plough) the resulting mobility of your back will enable you to perform Paschimottanasana (Sitting Forward Bend) well.

As a counter pose practice the Fish (Matsyasana) or the Camel (Ushtrasana). If possible practice the Plough after Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana).

The Plough strengthens and massages the abdominal muscles relieving constipation and indigestion. It releases tension from the shoulders and upper back. It tones the spinal nerves and increases blood circulation to the whole area. It helps to develop inner balance and mental relaxation. It also calms the brain.

Three important reasons (out of many) not to do Plough:

1) A person with hernia should avoid this asana.

2) Anyone with slipped disc, sciatica or serious back pain should never attempt to practice this asana.

3) If you have neck injury, please do not do this posture.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr. Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Kapalbhati Pranayama (Cleansing Breathing Exercise) Step by Step and Shining Face

Kapal in Sanskrit means FOREHEAD, and Bhati in Sanskrit means SHINING. Practicing Kapalbhati on regular basis leads to shining face with inner radiance. Kapalbhati is highly energizing abdominal breathing exercise.

What we do in Kapalbhati Pranayama

In Kapalabhati we do quick exhalation and natural inhalation. Normally exhalation takes one fourth of the time of inhalation. Quick exhalation and natural inhalation follow each other.

How to do Kapalbhati Pranayama

Step 1) Sit in comfortable crossed leg position with Back straight. Hands resting on knees in either chin or gyana mudra. Face to be relaxed.

Step 2) Inhale deeply through both nostril, expanding abdomen and exhale with the forceful contraction of abdominal muscles. (Pull the abdomen in by quickly contracting the abdominal muscles and exhale through the nose). The air is pushed out of lungs by contraction of
the diaphragm.

Step 3) After exhalation again inhalation but inhalation should not involve any effort. To inhale just relax and the lungs will automatically expand and filled with air.
One can begin with 15 respiration. After completing 15 quick exhalation and natural inhalation , inhale and exhale deeply. This is one round.One can start the practice of Kapalbhati pranayama with 3 such rounds for practice.

Benefits of Kapalabhati

1) Kapalabhati cleanses the lungs and entire respiratory system.

2) The blood is purified and body gets an increased supply of oxygen to all cells.

3) Digestion is improved.

4) Abdominal muscles are strengthened.

5) Prepare the mind for meditation.

6) Energise the mind for mental work.

Precautions:
Kapalbhati should not be practice by those

a) Suffering from heart disease

b) High blood pressure

c) Hernia

d) Should never be practiced when an asthmatic attack is in progress.

e) If pain or dizziness is experienced ,it is preferable to stop the practice till the sensation has passed. Practiced can be restarted with less force.

f) Quick exhalation should be comfortable to oneself. i.e. quick exhalation should not be too forceful.

Common Mistake:

1) Abdomen is contracted while inhaling.

2) Shoulders are contracted to push the air out when exhaling.

3) Back and shoulders move during exercise.

Point to Note:

a) Exercise should not be done if you are feeling uncomfortable at any time during the exercise.

b) Rapid breathing used in this technique should be from the abdomen and not from the chest.

c) Kapalbhati should be practice on an empty stomach only.

d) Kapalbhati should be practiced after the asanas and Relaxation (atleast 10 minutes) and before meditation

e) Chest should not move very much.

(f) It is always good and advisable that this exercise should be learned under supervision of yoga teacher after discussion with him about your health.

Mr Subodh Gupta,is consultant with NIE The Times of India group (India’s largest Media Group).He has been Interviewed by various TV channel channels in India and London. Mr Gupta has organized more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management.

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