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

Benefits Of Padangusthasana

This is one of the basic yoga asanas which we learn initially while learning yoga. All the yoga poses help in improving your flexibility which becomes very useful in our daily life. The asana is also known as head to foot pose. Your desire to regulate your blood pressure can be done by this asana. The pressure on your head and the stretching of the muscles relaxes your brain, making you work out things more easily and calmly. The stretching and pulling tones your body and relaxes you by making you feel at ease. The bending helps your abdominal organs as it massages the liver and spleen making it useful to the optimum level.

If done properly this asana would benefit not only body but would teach you be calm and patient. It has to be done slowly and not in a haste, if you want to receive its full benefits. The tiring muscles would be elevated and rejuvenated by this pose. The stretching of the muscles helps your hips, thighs, hamstrings, groin and calves. When these muscles are stretched they make your body more agile and fit. It helps to strengthen the other muscles which would help in recuperating your tired body. The less stress you give to your important organs it would work in a better fashion and helping your health.

With the improper diet, many of us suffer from gastric and indigestion problems. As we do not take care of our health and does not even look at the warning signs our body sends to us. This exercise helps in removing the bloating feeling caused by the indigestion and gastric troubles. It stretches most parts of your body like back, spine and legs which also plays a major role at the time of conception. Your knees are strengthened; the pressure helps in reduction of flat foot. Some other benefits are in strengthening your prostrate gland, reduction in blood pressure, helps in removing your backache, less menstrual discomfort is also provided by this asana.

Kevin Pederson webmaster for Yoga site opens a new door towards your knowledge about yoga and its usefulness in all walks of your life, be it office, home or traveling. Padangusthasana Yoga Asana would lead you towards calmness and patience.