‘Hala’ is a Hindi word for a plough. The pose of this asana, too, takes the shape of a plough. You are to lie down on your back and raise the legs and the lower portion of the trunk as described in the Sarvangasana.
In this asana, after coming into the raised position of the ‘Sarvangasana’ you are to take your legs behind your head further, so as to touch the ground with your toes, arms stretched on the ground with palms pressing it.
Stay in this pose for 5 minutes or less if uneasy and then come back to your original position. This may be repeated 3 to 5 times.
Halasana is of great advantage to the liver, kidneys, the spleen and the pancreas, strengthening them and removing their malfunctioning. It increases the secretion of glands in the abdomen.
It is also useful to cure constipation, dyspepsia and diabetes. It also reduces fat and has a softening effect on the mind.