The Plow pose, Halasana, comes from the Sanskrit word for plow –Hala. Hala refers to the plow used by farmers and pulled by either horse or oxen. Your body, when in the plow pose, will look like this traditional plow.

• First thing you have to do is to lie flat on your back on a yoga mat.
• Breathe in and place your palms flat down on your yoga mat. Bend your knees, with hips remaining on the floor, and bring them in to your belly. Exhale as you bring your knees in.
• Inhale.
• Exhale and slowly raise your legs until they are straight up in the air. Use your hands to support your hips if necessary.
• Continue to raise your legs up until they are over your head. Continue bending your waist and lifting your back and bottom until your legs are completely over your body. Touch your toes to the floor behind your head. Make sure your feet are place together. If possible, you can return your hands back to the floor if they are currently on your hips.
• You are now in the Tree pose. Hold the pose for up to one minute and close the pose by returning to your opening position.

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You will find out that there are many benefits to the Plow pose. All of your leg muscles will be stretched and you will build stronger and more flexible legs. If you suffer from any legs problems, such as soreness or cramps, this pose will help your legs feel much better.

The Plow pose compresses blood in the stomach area as your body is bent. When this blood is compressed it will be forced to release built up toxins. When you do this and once the toxins are released the area is filled with oxygenated blood. The Plow pose will also be of great help to reduce gas and to avoid other digestive problems.

Like the stomach, other parts of the body are also compressed such as the neck and chest and toxins are released from the thyroid glands and the lungs.

The Plow pose is a great morning pose as it will stretch your spine and remove any kinks from a night of sleep. You will feel completely awake and fresh after this exercise.