Matsyasana
(Fish Pose)
(mot-see-AHS-anna)
matsya = fish
Traditional texts refer that Matsyasana is the “destroyer of all diseases.”
Steps
1) Lie on your back. Lift your pelvis slightly off the floor, and slide your hands, palms down, below your buttocks. Then rest your buttocks on the backs of your hands (and don’t lift them off your hands as you perform this pose). Be sure to tuck your forearms and elbows up close to the sides of your torso.
2) Inhale and press your forearms and elbows firmly against the floor. Next press your scapulas into your back and, with an inhale, lift your head and chest away from the floor. Then release your head back onto the floor. The back of your head or its crown will rest on the floor. There should be a minimal amount of weight on your head to avoid crunching your neck.
3) Straighten your legs and lift two feet off the floor.
4) Large exhales through the mouth.
Benefits
Stretches the deep hip flexors (psoas) and the muscles (intercostals) between the ribs. Stretches and stimulates the muscles of the belly and front of the neck. Stretches and stimulates the organs of the belly and throat. Strengthens the muscles of the upper back and back of the neck. Improves posture
Deepen The Pose
To increase the challenge in this pose, slide your hands out from underneath your buttocks and bring them into Anjali Mudra (Salutation Seal) with arms outstretched and fingertips pointing toward the ceiling.
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