Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
If you need yogic massage on your chest, abdomen, throat, hip flexor, and intercostals practise this back-bending yoga asana. This posture opens lungs and helps in improving breathing and relieving respiratory ailments. When yogi performs this yoga pose, spine gets natural curve and abdomen muscles get stimulated. This is why this pose relieves constipation and Menstrual Pain. This asana release fatigue, and relieve spinal tension.
The Sanskrit name “Matsyasana” (math-see-ahs-uh-nuh) combines two Sanskrit words- “Matsya”- means fish; and “Asana”- means “pose”. As per the old scripture deity Vishnu was incarnated as a fish (Matsya) to save the earth from flood. Just Matsya saved the earth, Matsyasana rebalances yogi’s body-mind and saves from several physical and mental issues.
Don’t
It is not advisable to perform this pose if you have high or low blood pressure, insomnia or migraine problem. If you have low back or neck injury please avoid this pose.
How to Practise Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
- Sit on Padmasana with straight spine.
- Inhale and gently lie down on your back with your elbows.
- With normal breathing hold your toes with fingers.
- Hold your breath and press your elbows against the floor.
- Lift your head and torso away from the floor and create an arch with your spine.
- Gently release back of the head or its crown on the floor with very light weight on your head.
- Firm your shoulder blades into back.
- Stay for 5 to 10 deep breaths.
- Exhale and gently lower your torso and head to the floor.
- Press your palms against the floor and sit back to Padmasana.
You can practise this pose extending both legs straight down or with your keens bent.
