Matsya Asana Step by step guide to how to do, benefits

Matsya in Sanskrit means fish.
One right away identifies this asana with the
metaphorical relevance like any other Yoga
asanas.
But here the asana is suggestive of the quality of
floating like a fish – a state that`s induced by
assuming this posture.
The Fish Pose or Matsyasana in Hindi is the
counterpose to the Shoulder Stand
(Sarvangasana) and must always be practiced
after it.

How to do Matsya Asana

Sthiti: Lie down on the spine keeping the legs together and hands above the head region, i.e., from toes, to head the entire body in a straight line.

1. Bend the right leg and keep the right foot on the left thigh.

2. Bend the left leg then keep the left foot on the right thigh; thus assuming Padmasana.

3. Place the palms on the floor on the shoulders, on either side of the head, fingers pointing to the shoulders.

4. Then press the palms on the floor, lift the head and chest off the floor. Keep the centre of the crown of the head on the floor by bending the dorsal and cervical spine backwards. Remove the hands and hook the big toes with the index fingers.

5. Release the palms then place them on the floor above the shoulders, i.e., position no.3

6. Press the palms and remove the centre of the crown of the head on the floor, then keep it properly on the floor.

7. Unfold the left leg.

8. Unfold the right leg; come back to the sthiti.

Benefits of Matsyasana

1. Blood circulation is greater than before as your cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions are stretched. Your back muscles are also strengthened. It is beneficial for anyone suffering from cervical Spondylitis, neck pain, and stiffness.
2. As your chest is long-drawn-out, the ability of your lungs increases and breathing becomes easier. This helps with asthma and bronchitis.
3. Pressure on the neckline works on the thyroid and the parathyroid gland (which regulates the body’s calcium levels). This asana balance metabolism and boosts the immune system.
4. Most abdominal and stomach evils are also corrected as your intestines, and abdominal muscles are stretched and toned. It is good for constipation and piles.
5. It tones the anxious system, the pelvic organs and the nerves connected with sexual function. It also helps stop and repair reproductive system disorders.

Effects: The dorsal region is fully extended in this posture, and the chest is well expanded.

Breathing becomes fuller. The thyroids benefit from the exercise due to the stretching of the neck. The pelvic joints become elastic. The asana relieves inflamed and bleeding piles

Being complementary to Sarvangasana it enhances all the advantages of it. Refreshes after a massive deskwork.

Excellent for diabetes, asthma and people threatened with other lung diseases.

Body and mind become very light, agile fresh and relaxed.

Patients with hypertension and cervical spondylitis should avoid.

Subtle points:

Mode of Bending:

Take the weight of the body on the elbows and not on the neck/back.

Mode of Breathing:

Breathe out whenever you bend downwards and inhale while coming up. Regular breathing in the final position.

Precautions and contraindications.

1. Avoid this posture better if you have low blood pressure or low blood pressure.
2. Patients with insomnia and migraine should also refrain from putting fish.
3. If you have a back injury, it is strongly recommended to avoid this asana.

Tips for beginners

As a beginner, you may feel the tension in your neck as you begin to practice this asana. To avoid this, you can lower your chest a little or place a folded blanket under your head until you feel comfortable in this asana.

Possibilities of placement of

This asana can also be done with the legs straight and the fingers pointing outwards. To dig a little, you can also lift your legs about six inches off the ground and make sure your fingers are pointed.

If you want to increase the stretch, place your hands on the Anjali Mudra instead of placing it under your buttocks. To bring your hands to the Anjali Mudra, stretch your arms and point your fingers towards the ceiling.

The science behind Matsyasana

This asana is known to be focused and resistant when you feel insecure and agitated. In this asana, your legs are so anchored that they feel buried deep in the ground. This raises the chest and deepens the breath. Fish Pose strengthens your back and abdomen, and the curvature of the neck has a positive effect on the thyroid gland. Like all reflexive postures, this asana helps alleviate your mood.

They say that this asana acts as a refreshing break that anchors you and awakens you. You will feel energized and full of life. Nobody prevents you from doing this asana in the middle of the afternoon! When you sit in the office and your column is rounded all day, you can perform movements similar to those of Matsyasana in your chair to reverse the traces of your posture.