Matsyasana – The Fish Pose

Introduction

In Sanskrit, Matsya means Fish and the word ‘Matsyasana’ literally means the Asana of Fish i.e., the fish pose.

This asana is given the name Matsyasana because you can actually float like a fish on water when you practice this asana.

When to perform?

The best time to practice this asana is immediately after ‘Sarvangasana’

How to perform?

1. Lay your Yoga Mat on the floor.

2. Sit in Padmasana

3. Slowly move back by resting your palms on the yoga mat.

4. Create an arc by lifting your chest and trunk.

5. Bend your neck backwards and touch the crown of the head on to the mat.

6. Catch the big toes which are in the position of Padmasana and try to pull them back, thereby increasing the arc.

7. Focus on the chakras of heart, throat and crown. Feel the rear end of spin and breathe normally.

8. Once you are done with breathing slowly and after 20 seconds to 1 minute, based on your convenience, you can release the pose.

9. To come back to normal position, release the toes by resting the elbows. Rest the back of your head on the mat. Slowly bring your body back in Padmasana and release legs one by one.

How long to perform – Duration of Matsyasana

Matyasana should be done for 20 seconds to 1 minute on an initial level. It should be increased with practice over time.

You should never put stress to do Matsyasana. Try doing it only for the time when you feel comfortable with the pose.

Make it easy – For beginners

Do not worry if you are unable to do Matyasana correctly in the initial days. Many yoga enthusiasts who begin practicing yoga are unable to do Matsyasana correctly. There is an easy way to do Matsyasana, which is recommended for beginner level yoga enthusiasts:

1. Instead of sitting in Padmasana, stretch your legs on your yoga mat.

2. Keep your palms under the hip. (For reducing the difficulty, you may also put the palms on your thigh)

3. Create an arc by lifting the chest and bring the neck back, touching the crown of your head to the mat.

4. Breathe normally and continue in the position for 20 seconds to 1 minute based on your comfort.

5. Pull your body upwards slowly once you are done practicing Matsyasana.

Benefits of Matsyasana

1. Extremely beneficial to people suffering from Asthama – As Matsyasana stretches the chest and expands the dorsal position of spine, which aids in breathing.

2. It removes the spasms from bronchial tubes.

3. The practice of Matysasana also tones the thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary and pineal glands.

4. It improves the flexibility of pelvic joints.

Who should avoid doing Matsyasana?

People with the below mentioned special conditions are recommended to avoid Matsyasana:

1. Those who have high and low blood pressure.

2. People suffering from Migrane or Insomnia.

3. Any serious lower-back injuries or neck injuries.

4. People with cervical problems.

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