Matsyasana

  • Beginner's Tip:
    • Beginners sometimes strain their neck in this pose. If you feel any discomfort in your neck or throat, either lower your chest slightly toward the floor, or put a thickly folded blanket under the back of your head.
  • Modifications and props:
    • The backbending position in Matsyasana can be difficult for beginning students. Perform the pose with your back supported on a thickly rolled blanket. Be sure your head rests comfortably on the floor and your throat is soft.
  • 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.
  • Partnering:
    • A partner can help you get a feel for the movement of the scapulas in this pose. Perform the pose. Have your partner stand straddling your pelvis. She should then lean over and spread her palms on your scapulas, pressing them firmly against your back. But be sure that she doesn't pull you any deeper into the back bend; she should only support the scapulas against the back torso.
  • Info
    • Traditionally Fish Pose is performed with the legs in Padmasana. Since Padmasana is beyond the capacity of most beginning students, here we'll work either with the knees bent, feet on the floor, or with the legs straight pressed against the floor.
  • Benefits:
    • A traditional text that Matsyasana is the "destroyer of all diseases."
    • 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
  • Therapeutic Applications:
    • Constipation.
    • Respiratory ailments .
    • Mild backache .
    • Fatigue.
    • Anxiety .
    • Menstrual pain.
  • Contraindications and Cautions:
    • High or low blood pressure.
    • Migraine .
    • Insomnia
    • Low blood pressure.
    • Serious lower-back or neck injury