9. Kalapi Asanam (Plough Pose)











Sequence
1. Heels together, toes apart.
2. Lie down on the back.
3. Raise legs, keeping knees bent.
4. Gradually straighten legs and continue to raise them above the head as in the shoulder stand. Continue to bring legs over the head until the feet touch the floor behind the head, keeping the legs as straight as possible. Breathe normally.
5. Lift legs to shoulder pose before slowly lowering them to the floor.
6. Relax for a few moments before standing up.

Benefits
Relieves rheumatic conditions and tension in the bone structure. Alleviates pain in the shoulders, waist and neuralgic pain in the back. Eliminates arthritis and varicose veins effectively. Eradicates gastritis and flatulence, and promotes proper digestion preventing constipation, cures piles in the early stages and prevents cramping. Relieves headaches, asthma and bronchitis, promotes health in diabetics and reduces menstrual problems and ailments of the uterus and ovaries.

Contra-indications High blood pressure, hernia, arthritis of the neck, slipped disks, sciatica or when there is weakness in the cervical vertebrae.