Matsyendrasana

Matsyendrasana

Matsyendrasana, Matsyendra’s Pose or Lord of the Fishes Pose, is an asana in hatha yoga. The full form is the difficult Paripurna Matsyendrasana. A common and easier variant is Ardha Matsyendrasana.

The asana usually appears as a seated spinal twist with many variations, and in its half form is one of the twelve basic asanas in many systems of hatha yoga.

Description

One foot is placed flat on the floor outside the opposite leg and the torso twists toward the top leg. The bottom leg may be bent with the foot outside the opposite hip or extended with toes vertically. The arms help leverage the torso into the twist and may be bound (Baddha Ardha Matsyendrasana) in a number of configurations by clutching either feet or opposite hands.
Variations

Ardha Matsyendrasana I

In this pose, sit with one leg bent on the ground, the foot tucked in close to the body, and cross the other leg over the body, the knee raised and bent, and the foot on the ground by the outside of the other leg. Twist the body and grasp the raised knee; or, bring the arm over to press against the raised knee, or clasp the hands behind the back.

Matsyendrasana yoga video

Ardha Matsyendrasana III

From Ardha Matsyendrasana I, the bottom leg moves into Padmasana (Lotus Position) and arms bind by grabbing either foot.

Health Benefits of Matsyendrasana

Ardha Matsyendrasana allows the spine to be twisted all the way from the base of the spine to the very top. This asana is said to tone the spinal nerves and ligaments, improve digestion, and also improve liver and pancreas health The Hatha Yoga Pradipika states that it increases appetite, destroys diseases, and rouses kundalini in the body.

Stretches:

Hip, Shoulder, Neck.

type :

Seated, Hip opener, Twist.

Contraindication of Matsyendrasana:

People suffering from severe back or neck pain should practice with caution, and with close supervision. Those with slip disc problems should avoid this pose completely. Those with internal organ issues may find this pose difficult and painful. It should be avoided by pregnant women as it can press the fetus.

Precautions :

-Should be avoided during pregnancy and menstruation due to the strong twist in the abdomen.

-People with Heart, abdominal, or brain surgeries should not practice this asana.

-Care should be taken for those with peptic ulcer or hernia.

-Those with severe spinal problems should avoid and those with mild slipped disc can benefit but in severe cases, it should be avoided.