Get,

Free Doctor Tips

to manage your symptom

Get your,

FREE Doctor Tips Now!!

4 Cr+ families

benefitted

Enter your Phone Number

+91

|

Enter a valid mobile number

Send OTP

Verify your mobile number

OTP sent to 9988776655

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You’ve successfully subscribed to receive

doctor-approved tips on Whatsapp


Get ready to feel your best.

Hi There,

Download the PharmEasy App now!!

AND AVAIL

AD FREE reading experience
Get 25% OFF on medicines
Banner Image

Register to Avail the Offer

Send OTP

By continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions

Success Banner Image
Verify your mobile number

OTP sent to 9988776655

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Leave your comment here

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

25% OFF on medicines

Collect your coupon before the offer ends!!!

COLLECT

Benefits of Halasana (Plough Pose) and How to Do It By Dr. Himani Bisht

By Dr. Himani Bisht +2 more

Introduction

In this modern sedentary lifestyle, our health has been at the receiving end of our hectic schedules! As a result, we always find ourselves experiencing physical and mental pressure. Unfortunately, this has also affected our personal habits leading to various diseases.  

Fortunately, Patanjali, the ‘father of yoga,’ left us his classic work including yoga to combat all kinds of lifestyle stress. His work teaches us discipline to live a healthy life. Yoga brings a sense of freedom to life. With different types of Yogasanas; each gives you indispensable health benefits. One such Asana is Halasana! If you are living a ‘9 to 5’ office life and are looking for something to undo all the damage done with your demanding daily hustle, then you have come to the right place. 

Benefits of Halasana

Keep reading to know everything you might need to start practising Halasana.  

Did You Know?

  • A 12 year-old boy, Inder Kumar from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, made a World Record for the longest performance of Halasana yoga.’ On 16 March 2018, he performed Halasana (plough pose) for four hours and five minutes4

What is Halasana?

Halasana or Plough pose is a kind of Yogasana1

Halasana is the Sanskrit name in which Hala means plough, whereas Asana means pose or posture. Thus, it is referred to as the Plough Pose because the final position of the body appears in the shape of an Indian Plough (farming tool) while performing this Asana. Halasana may help to keep up your spine healthy and youthful1,2

The plough tool helps to loosen soil and resurface fresh nutrients for sowing. In the same way, performing Halasana stretches the back of the body and aids in loosening the tight hamstrings, helping strengthen and re-energise the entire spine. It is said that people who perform Halasana regularly are highly active, quick, light-footed and full of spiritual energy2

Halasana has two variations: 

  • Ardhahalasana: This Asana is also called the Half Plough posture. It involves maintaining the position of the legs at a 90° angle and the body appears half the shape of an Indian plough3
  • Halasana: It is also referred to as Full Plough Posture. It involves bending forward while lying on the back with stretching feet and hands on the floor1,2

Based on my experience, I’ve observed that practising Halasana (Plough Pose) might help reduce constipation by increasing the movement of the intestines. The compression created during this pose stimulates the muscles and promotes better bowel motility, which can alleviate constipation and ensure a smooth digestion6.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

How to Do It?

There are two versions to do this Asana. One is Halasana, the full plough posture, and the second is Ardhahalasana, the half-plough pose1. The following steps will guide you to do both full and half plough pose: 

  • Start with lying on the floor in the supine position (facing upward). Then, keep your hands by the sides of your thighs and rest your palms on the ground. 
  • Now, lift your legs in the air without bending your knees and maintain a 30° angle for a few seconds. 
  • Slowly lift your legs, bring them to a 60° angle, and maintain the pose. 
  • Raise your legs to a 90° angle; this makes the final position called the Ardhahalasana. 
  • Gently press palms on the ground; lift the buttocks and the back away from the floor with the support of your hands. 
  • Slowly bring your legs towards the head and try to touch the floor with the toes behind your head. Try to maintain the body (from hip to shoulder) in a straight position. 
  • Now stretch your hands straight, keeping them on the floor behind your back and maintain the pose for some time. This final position is called Halasana. 
  • First, lower the waist and legs from the floor to return to the initial position. Second, rest your waist on the floor, bring the legs at a 90° angle, and then, without lifting the head, bring down the legs to the ground1

Benefits of Halasana

The maximum benefits of Halasana may be achieved when you practise Bhujangasana immediately after Halasana. In Bhujangasana, you lie on your stomach and your upper body is raised upwards. The body posture looks like a snakehood2,3

Some of the potential benefits of Halasana are:  

1. Benefits of Halasana for Hamstrings

If you are experiencing tightness in your hamstring muscles and experiencing lower back pain, then you must try the Halasana pose. The regular practising of Halasana steps allows stretching of the entire back, including the spine and hamstring. A stretching exercise like the plough pose might help loosen your tight hamstrings, providing flexibility and mobility. It also relaxes the ligaments and muscles in the calves and thighs region2.   

2. Benefits of Halasana for Spine

Halasana  may enhance spine flexibility. By practising Halasana, your back gets completely stretched, which energises,strengthen, and tone your spinal cord when the back is folded. It may ease up the muscle tension and keep your spine young and healthy. It might also enhance the spinal nerve functions by creating pressure on the nerve and neck region, boosting nervous system operations2,5

3. Benefits of Halasana for Stomach Ailments

The benefits of Halasana may be associated with helping in better digestive system functioning. It may relieve problems like bloating and dyspepsia, an upper abdominal discomfort caused due to stomach ulcers or acid reflux (backward flow of stomach acid into the food pipe). It may help to reduce the burning sensation, heartburn, bitter taste, etc. It may solve the problems of constipation and digestion1

4. Other benefits of Halasana

  • The practice of Halasana may be useful to regulate high blood sugar levels, like in cases of diabetes1
  • It may increase blood circulation in the body, helping to stay energetic all day. 
  • It may benefit people with hypertension (high blood pressure). However, try to practise it under the supervision of a trained Yoga teacher to avoid any complications3
  • It may also benefit in cases of piles1
  • It may also help relieve throat-related disorders1
  • It may enhance your sleep cycle, helping you to stay fresh and focused every day. 
  • It might help strengthen the body and heal the mind when done consistently5

Yoga practice may help develop the mind and body; however, it is still not an alternative to modern medicines. Therefore, you must not rely on yoga alone to treat any condition. Instead, consult a qualified doctor who will be able to assess your condition correctly and advise accordingly. Furthermore, it is necessary to practice and learn yoga under the supervision of a trained professional to avoid injuries. 

I have observed that practising the Plough Pose (Halasana) can provide a complete stretch to the spine and increase compression in the front of the neck and abdomen. This stretching and compression help improve the flexibility and strength of the spine, while also stimulating the abdominal organs and promoting better digestion6.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Also Read: Benefits of Bhramari Pranayama and How to Do it By Dr. Himani Bisht

Risks of Exercise

Some contraindications and precautions related to Halasana are as follows: 

  • People with abdominal injuries or hernias must avoid doing Halasana until the doctor advises3
  • People suffering from cervical spondylitis (neck injury) should not perform this asana1
  • People with high blood pressure issues should consult a professional Yoga practitioner1
  • Those with lumbosacral or lower back pain should not perform Halasana with both legs; they may try with just one leg3
  • Pregnant women should not perform the plough pose as it might cause complications. 
  • Women should not practice Halasana during menstruation days; it might cause cramping.

With the guidance of a trained yoga expert, we can assess and analyze the risk factors and continue to practice exercise with precautions. 

Also Read: Benefits of Prana Mudra and How to Do it By Dr. Himani Bisht

Conclusion

Halasana or plough pose is a complete Yogasana that helps one to attain spine flexibility and keep the spine youthful. Performing Halasana/Ardhahalasana might have several health benefits for the spine, hamstrings and muscle tension. It may also help with constipation, hypertension, diabetes, etc. One must practice plough pose regularly with appropriate precautions and under a trained Yoga master to avoid any physical injuries.  

Also Read: Benefits of Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) and How to Do It By Dr. Himani Bisht

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Halasana called ‘plough pose’? 

Halasana is a Sanskrit term where ‘Hala’ means plough and ‘Asana’ mean pose/posture; hence, referred to as Halasana. While performing Halasana yoga pose, our body resembles a plough shape in the final position1,2

What is Ardhahalasana? 

Ardhahalasana is a simpler version of Halasana. It is also called the half-plough pose. While performing Halasana, if you hold your legs at a 90° angle, that position is called the Ardhahalasana1

Can I practice Halasana if I have lower back pain? 

If you have lower back pain (Lumbosacral condition), it is advised to practice Halasana with either leg and not with both legs together3. However, you may consult a professional Yoga trainer if you want to try the Asana.  

What are the benefits of Halasana for spine? 

Halasana is a Yogasana for back strengthening. It completely stretches the back of the body, helping the spine flexibility and rejuvenating spine health. However, performing Halasana while having a back pain problem is not recommended2

What are the precautionary measures for doing plough position? 

Those with abdominal injuries, cervical spondylitis, hernia, or spine stiffness, hypertension, etc., must avoid this pose1,3

References

  1. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center NYC [Internet]. Plough. [cited 2022 Aug 21]. Available from: https://sivanandanyc.org/plough/ 
  2. Basavaradd I., editor. 21 June INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA Common Yoga Protocol, Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy  (AYUSH). 4 Revised. Ministry of AYUSH | Government of India; 2019. 1–54 p. Available from: https://www.mea.gov.in/images/pdf/common-yoga-protocol.pdf
  3. Govardhan EcoVillage [Internet]. Halasana – The Plow pose: A Quick Guide. [cited 2022 Sep 1]. Available from: https://ecovillage.org.in/halasana-the-plow-pose-a-quick-guide/ 
  4. Golden Book of World Records. Longest Performance of Halasana Yoga [Internet]. n.d. [cited 2025 Jul 15]. Available from: https://goldenbookofworldrecords.com/longest-performance-of-halasana-yoga-2/
  5. Anatomical exploration of Halasana. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci [Internet]. 2023 Oct;8(8):173–178. doi:10.21760/jaims.8.8.26. CC BY‑NC‑SA 4.0. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375081085_Anatomical_exploration_of_Halasana
  6. Dwivedi MK, Singh SK. Stress Management Intervention Strategy through Rational Thinking and Yoga [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2025 Jul 15]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Manish-Dwivedi-9/publication/312153479_Stress_Management_Intervention_Strategy_through_Rational_thinking_and_Yoga/links/5872504608ae6eb871c51870/Stress-Management-Intervention-Strategy-through-Rational-thinking-and-Yoga.pdf

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Likes 6
Dislikes 2

Comments

Leave your comment...