Halasana - Paschimotanasana exercise

Position : Supine

Practice :

• Lie down on your back with the legs together.
• Keep the arms by the side of the body with the palms facing down.
• Relax the whole body for a while.
• Raise both the legs rapidly by pressing down on the arms.
• Roll the legs over the head keeping the legs straight and touch the toes to the the ground like in Halasana.
• Then, roll the body rapidly back to the starting position and immediately sitting up and bending forward into Paschimotanasana with knees straight and trying to touch the knees with the forehead.
• Rock back into Halasana and Paschimotanasana. 
• In this manner repeat 8-10 times with the normal breathing.

Note :

• Try to perform with an even flowing movement.
• Start slowly and gradually increase the speed.
• Do not bend the knees at any stage of the practice.
• Do not strain yourself or go beyond your capacity.
• The system will take care of itself about breathing pattern.
• Practice under the guidance of a yoga expert.

Benefits :

• Activates the intestinal peristalsis.
• Improves digestion and relieves from constipation.
• Stretches the pelvic region.
• Facilitates the break down fats by exercising the liver and gallbladder.

Contra-indications :

• People with sciatica or back problem and neck injury should not practice.
• Not recommended for the people with high blood pressure.