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Yoga -
Matsyasana |
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What is
Matsyasana? |
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Matsya is a Sanskrit word that means fish so that
Matsyasana also referred to as "fish" pose. It is a Hatha yoga pose.
It is a counter-pose to Sarvangasana and thus is normally done after
Sarvangasana. Unlike other asana that
imitate the poses of creatures they’re named after, Fish Pose doesn’t
actually look like a fish. Instead, it’s said that if performed this
pose in water, the person can float like a fish hence the name
Matysasana.
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What
is the technique of Matsyasana? |
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Ideally Matyasana is performed with the legs in Padmasana, but as
Padmasana is not an easy pose and requires a lot of practice it is
commonly done with stretching legs straight. For this posture lie
on your back with legs straight and parallel and arms and hands
(palms down) at your sides. On an inhalation arch your back,
pushing your chest upward, aiming to raise your torso off the
ground. Use your arms for support by pressing your elbows into the
ground while keeping them close in at your sides. Your neck and
head remain on the ground. Hold this position for a breath or two,
then on an inhalation, push your chest further upward, pressing
your elbows into the ground and raising your torso even further.
Release your head from the ground and tilt your neck and chin
backward, so that the front of your neck and throat are open. |
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Lightly place the crown of your head on the ground, so that your
eyes look out behind you. Hold this position between two and eight
breaths, and then recover to the starting position. |
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If you have
a neck problem, do the first stages of Matsyasana without involving your
head and neck. |
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What
are the benefits of practicing Matsyasana? |
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According to a traditional text Matsyasana is considered as the destroyer
of all diseases. This posture normalizes the function of the thyroid,
pituitary, pineal and adrenal glands. It stretches and stimulates the
muscles of the belly and throat. It also tones the nervous system, the
kidneys, the stomach and intestines, the pelvic organs, and the nerves
connected with the sex functions. This posture is also beneficial for
people suffering with asthma.
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