MATSYASANA - "Fish Pose"

[Matsya = Fish]

CRITICAL ELEMENTS

Matsyasana is generally performed in Padmasana, but since most are beginners, Matsyasana is performed with straight legs pressed against the floor and firmly clenched thighs extending to the tip of the toes.

After the back is laid on the floor with legs extended, inhale and lift the pelvis off the floor, and slip the hands (facing down) under the buttocks, then slowly bring the buttocks down onto both hands. After this is completed, tuck the forearms and elbows tightly to the sides and firmly press them against the floor.

*While in Matsyasana, do not lift buttocks off hands*

Inhale, and arch the back and lift the chest and press the crown of the had onto the floor. The head should rest comfortably on the floor and there should not be a lot of weight placed on the head to avoid suffocation of the neck.

Stay in Matsyasana for about a minute and when you are ready to come out of it, exhale and lower the torso and lift the crown of the head off the floor and instead put the back of the head on the floor. Finish the pose off by pulling the thighs into the stomach and squeeze in that position.

BENEFITS/EFFECTS

Matsyasana relieves stiffness of the neck and shoulder muscles and also corrects the propensity of having rounded shoulders. While in this pose, one's chest is being exercised, the nerves of the neck and back are being toned, and the rib cage is able to expand fully which allows an increase in lung capacity thereby allowing for deeper breathing. Due to the fact that the lung capacity is being expanded, this pose is beneficial for asthmatic patients to get the relief of more relaxed, deeper breaths. Matsyasana is also good for the kidneys, stomach, intestine, and the pelvic organs and nerves that are connected to the pelvis as it yields for good sexual function.

AWARENESS

While I am in this asana, it feels like everything in my body is being stretched to its limits. I get the sensation that I am extending every single muscle in my body and that everything can be stressed out and exercised so much to the point of relaxation. But because my muscles are not used to so much extending and pulling, sometimes it feels like I am overdoing the extending, and sooner or later, something might snap. Even though I occasionally -rarely- feel the latter sensation, I still find Matsyasana to be rather relaxing as it does stretch out the tightness in my body.

REFERENCES

http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/786

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yogapractice/thefish.asp

http://www.ayushveda.com/dietfitness/matsyasana/

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