Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

This asana is known as Matsyasana because in this asana, with the help of Plavini Pranayama, one can float on the surface of water, like a fish. ‘Matsya’ is the Sanskrit word for fish. This asana is not very difficult to perform. Some practice will enable one to perform this asana easily. This asana is very useful for concentration, meditation and self-realization. There are three techniques to perform this asana.

Procedure for Matsyasana (Fish Pose):

Technique-I:

• Lie on the back.
• Start with the Padmasana pose with the right leg on the left thigh and the left leg on the right thigh.
• Lock the forearms and rest your head on them.
• Breathe normally.
• This is the first technique of practise Matsyasana.

Technique-II:

• Sit in Padmasana and then lie flat on the back.
• Hold the left toe with the right hand and the right toe with the left hand.

Technique-III:

• Sit in Padmasana and lie flat on the back.
• Slide the head backwards in such a way that the crown of the head and the hips would support the body.
• Between the head and the hips, an arch is formed similar to a bridge.
• Now stretch your arms forward and hold the toes with the fingers.
• In this technique, the neck is pulled in such a way that it gives the body the shape of an arch.

• Fat persons having bulky muscles of their legs can perform this asana instead of practice Padmasana.
• First practise Padmasana. Then practise Matsyasana.
• This asana should be done foe ten seconds at the beginning.
• Increase the time gradually.
• At the time of the completion of the asana, loosen the head with the help of the hands. Sit and practise Padmasana.

Advantages of Matsyasana (Fish Pose):

• The stiffness in the neck-muscles and the dullness around the throat-muscles caused by Sarvangasana can be alleviated by practicing Matsyasana immediately after performing Sarvangasana.
• It stimulates the facial nerves and blood vessels thus brighten up the face.
• The windpipe and the sound box remain open while practicing this asana. This induces deep breathing.
• It activates the spine column and the muscles of the back.
• This exercise enlarges the thoracic cage ad allows deeper breathing. It tones up the digestive system.
• This asana is beneficial to those suffering from asthma. It removes the disorders of the entire respiratory system.

Therapeutics:

• GI disorders
• Digestive disorders
• Constipation
• Backache
• Weight Loss
• Asthma
• Rheumatism

             Yoga Asanas on Sitting Positions

             Yoga Asanas on Head Positions

             Yoga Asanas on Supine Positions

             Yoga Asanas on Hand Positions

             Yoga Asanas on Abdominal Positions

             Yoga Asanas on Leg Positions

             Yoga Asanas on Kneeling Positions