
15 Nov Matsyasana – The Fish Posture
I swim through the waves of time, not depending on the external, but taking sustenance from strengths that lie within.
This posture defines the qualities of a fish. Besides swimming, the ability to float comes easily. It induces relaxation once you are settled in the posture.
Variation 1
Starting Position
- Sit in Padmasana.
Steps
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Inhaling, recline backwards, supporting your body with your arms and elbows and lie down.
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Cradle your head with your hands.
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Close the eyes.
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Maintain the pose for six seconds retaining the breath or stay in the position breathing normally or practice abdominal breathing.
Posture Release
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Unclasp your hands, exhaling and taking support of your hands come back to the sitting position.
Variation 2
Starting Position
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Lie down on a mat with your feet together and your hands at the sides.
Steps
- With the aid of your hands bend your right knee and place your right foot facing upwards on the left thigh as high near the groin as you can.
- Bend your left knee and cross your left foot over the right ankle to place it on the right thigh as high as you can near the groin.
- You can encircle your head with your hands or place them on your abdomen.
- Stay in this position breathing normally or practise abdominal breathing.
Posture Release
- Release your hands and use them to release your feet to the starting position.
Limitations / Contraindications
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All heart diseases
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Peptic ulcers, hernia
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Spinal injuries, back problems
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Severe arthritis
Benefits
Physical
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Stretching of abdominal and chest muscles gives internal massage to your respective organs.
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It strengthens and tones the pelvic floor and sphincter muscles.
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It stretches your hip flexors.
Therapeutic
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Stretching of your neck muscles helps in regulation of the thyroid function and thymus gland, which in turn improves the metabolic and immune system.
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It helps in relieving abdominal ailments like constipation, inflamed and bleeding piles.
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It helps in relieving disorders of the pelvic organs, especially the reproductive organs and maintains the health of the reproductive organs and glands by improving the blood circulation in the area.
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It reduces the chances of occurrence of vaginal prolapsed and stress incontinence.
Psychological
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A sense of well-being prevails and a feeling of calm and relaxation is experienced.
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It relieves stress and irritation.
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It creates strength, awareness and harmony.
Muscles Involved
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Hip abductors
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Flexors and medial rotators
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Knee and shoulder joint and elbow flexors
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