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Yoga - Matsyasana

What is Matsyasana?

What is the technique of Matsyasana?

Ideally Matyasana is performed with the legs in Padmasana, but as Padmasana is not an easy pose and requires a lot of practice it is commonly done with stretching legs straight. For this posture lie on your back with legs straight and parallel and arms and hands (palms down) at your sides. On an inhalation arch your back, pushing your chest upward, aiming to raise your torso off the ground. Use your arms for support by pressing your elbows into the ground while keeping them close in at your sides. Your neck and head remain on the ground. Hold this position for a breath or two, then on an inhalation, push your chest further upward, pressing your elbows into the ground and raising your torso even further. Release your head from the ground and tilt your neck and chin backward, so that the front of your neck and throat are open.

 

Lightly place the crown of your head on the ground, so that your eyes look out behind you. Hold this position between two and eight breaths, and then recover to the starting position.

If you have a neck problem, do the first stages of Matsyasana without involving your head and neck.

What are the benefits of practicing Matsyasana?

According to a traditional text Matsyasana is considered as the destroyer of all diseases. This posture normalizes the function of the thyroid, pituitary, pineal and adrenal glands. It stretches and stimulates the muscles of the belly and throat.  It also tones the nervous system, the kidneys, the stomach and intestines, the pelvic organs, and the nerves connected with the sex functions. This posture is also beneficial for people suffering with asthma.