Parsva Halasana (Lateral Plow Pose) registers as 4* on the scale of difficulty.
Iyengar says that, since the colon is inverted and exercised in Parsva Halasana, the asana helps aid in elimination and the relief of constipation. Iyengar, along with most yogis, believes greatly in the importance of clearing the body of waste and toxins on a regular basis. He says, “If rubbish is dumped outside our house we feel sick. How much more so when waste matter which creates toxins is allowed to accumulate in our own system? If this waste matter is not eliminated, diseases will enter the body like thieves and rob us of health. If the bowels do not move freely, the mind becomes dull and one feels heavy and irritable. This asana helps us to keep the bowels free and thereby win the prize of health.”
Often the topic of bowel movements makes people blush. But, the yoga practice encourages us to develop a greater awareness of the effects that yoga poses and movement can have on our internal system – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Rather than turning two shades of red the next time your teacher asks you to tighten the muscles of your perineum to engage Mula Bandha, Â consider the moment as an opportunity – to truly draw your attention to the inner workings of your body, to release your inhibitions, and to be curious rather than closed off. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover something you never noticed before.
Related posts:
- Goodnight and Joy Be With You All: Halasana (Plow Pose)
- Twisting from Within: Parsva Sirsasana (Side Headstand)
- Points on Puzzlement in Parsva Urdhva Padmasana in Sirsasana (Side Upward Lotus in Headstand)
- Supported in the Arms of the Mother: Salamba Sarvangasana I (Supported Shoulderstand I)
- Faith in the Future: Purvottanasana (Upward Plank or Intense Stretch to the East Pose)
Tags: asana, Iyengar, Light on Yoga, Parsva Halasana, yoga
