One reason for this poster’s name is that, when viewed from above, the body resembles a fish.
Another reason is that in this position you will
Be able to float in water. Matsyasana- the fish
can be used as a counter posture after the
shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) and the plough
(Halasana ).
Benefits of Ardha Matsyasana
- Expands the chest and encourages deeper breathing.
- Opens and stretches the throat area also encouraging deeper breathing.
- Benefits the thyroid and parathyroid glands in the neck, which are the regulators of metabolism.
- Benefits the respiratory system, and is, therefore, helpful for asthma and bronchitis.
- Relieves in the upper back.
- Strengthens the back and nourishes the spinal nerves.
- Increases blood supply to the head area, nourishing the pituitary and the pineal gland where the top of the head is placed on the ground.
- Increases mobility in the pelvic area and tones the organs in this region.
- Offers relief from piles.
- Helps digestion and elimination.
- Helpful for menstrual disorders.
Cautions:
- Place your weight lightly on the top of your head in the full poster by resting your weight on your elbow for strong support.
- Do not bend your neck too far backwards in the entire posture, as this will strain your neck vertebrae.
- If you have a neck problem, keep your neck and head on the ground.
Timing:
Hold for two to eight breaths, focusing your attention on the opening across your chest and the gentle squeeze in your back. If you are using Ardha Matsyana as a counter-posture to the shoulder stand or plough, remain in Matsyasana for a third of the time that you held the shoulder position or plough. To cover, exhale reversing the path taken into the position, returning to the starting position of lying flat on the ground. Take a few recovery breaths and then move into a simple forward bend or a rest pose, such as the child’s pose
Precautions and contraindications.
Now that you know how to do half the torso of the spine, let’s look at some of the precautions you should keep in mind about this asana.
- This asana should be avoided during pregnancy and menstruation, as it causes a strong twisting of the abdomen.
- People who have recently undergone abdominal, cardiac or cerebral surgery should not use this asana.
- Those who suffer from a hernia or gastric ulcer should do so with care and under the supervision of a certified yoga teacher.
- People with a slight slip problem will benefit from this asana. However, it must be done under supervision and with the permission of the doctor. If you have a serious problem in the spine or a serious problem in the disc, it is better to avoid this asana.
Tips for beginners
The many variations of hands in this posture can complicate the adaptation of the beginners. First, be sure to sit on a blanket and practice that posture. Before testing the variations of the hands and arms, place one arm around the raised leg and hold the thigh against the chest. Over time, you can try other variations.
This is an advanced posture, you can try to deepen the stretch.
If your hips and spine are flexible enough, you can guide the upper part of the left arm towards the upper part of the right thigh.
Keep your legs in the correct position, exhale and look to the right.
Extend the upper part of the thigh and bend the left elbow so that it presses against the outside of the upper part of the right thigh.
Now push the upper body against the thigh and place the upper part of the left arm on the outer leg until the shoulder rests against the knee.
Keep your elbow bent and your hand raised towards the ceiling. Bend to form a slight crease in the upper part of the back. Your shoulder blades should rest firmly against your back. Be sure to lift the front of the torso from the top of the sternum.