Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga

220 Light on Yoga

are cured by interlocking and stretching the palms and fingers. People

suffering from stiff shoulders and elbows, lumbago and arthritis of the

back find relief in this asana. Griping pain in the stomach due to wind

is also relieved and lightness is fe lt immediately.

The pose is good for people with a tendency for high blood pressure.

If they perform Halasana first and then Sarvangasana I, they will not

feel the rush of blood or the sensation of fullness in the head.

Halasana is a preparatory pose to Paschimottanasana. (Plate 160.)

If one improves in Halasana, the resulting mobility of the back will

enable one to perform Paschimottanasana well.

Note. For persons suffering from high blood pressure the following

technique is recommended for doing Halasana before they attempt

Salamba Sarvangasana I.

1. Lie flat on the back on the floor.


2. Exhale, slowly raise the legs to a perpendicular position and stay
   there breathing normally for about 10 seconds.
   3· Exhale, bring the legs over and beyond the head and touch the
   toes on the floor. Keep the toes on the floor and the legs stiff at the
   knees.

4· If you have difficulty in keeping the toes on the floor, then place a

chair or a stool behind the head and rest the toes on it.

5. If the breathing becomes heavy or fast do not rest the toes on the
   floor, but on a stool or chair. Then fullness or pressure is not felt in
   the head.


6. Extend the arms over the head, keep them on the floor and stay in
   this position with normal breathing for^3 minutes.
   7· Throughout the asana, gaze at the tip of the nose with the eyes shut.


7. Kany.apzdasana One* (Plate 246)
   Kar�a means the ear. Plda means pain, discomfort or pressure. This
   is a variant of Halasana and can be done along with it.

Technique

1. Do Halasana (Plate 244) and after completing the time limit for that
   pose, flex the knees and rest the right knee by the side of the right
   ear and the left knee by the side of the left.


2. Both knees should rest on the floor, pressing the ears.
   3· Keep the toes stretched out and join the heels and toes. Rest the