| Description
As a counter-position to the shoulder stand.
This asana gives a backward stretch to the cervical, thoracic
and lumbar regions of the spine and expands the chest fully.
The word matsya means fish. The posture resembles
a fish, hence the name.
Benefits
Physical
- Benefits of sarvangasana are enhanced when it is followed
by Matsyasana.
- Improves respiratory capacity. Organs concerned with
respiration like nasal passage, pharynx, Larynx, trachea,
bronchi and the lungs get properly exercised in this asana.
- It helps the functioning of the facial muscles.
- It activates spain and muscles of the back. So it is
useful in spinal problems or low backache.
- Pelvic joints become elastic.
- Useful in bleeding piles.
- This asana stretches intestines and abdominal organs.
- It is useful to remove constipation
- Regulates the function of thyroid and stimulate thymus
gland boosting the immune system.
- Practicing sheetkari and sadanti in this position makes
the voice sweet and steady, gives relief to sore throat.
Useful for increasing vitality.
Mental
Relieves stress.
Techniques
- Sit erect, with legs touching each other and stretched,
hands by the side of the body.
- Bend the right leg and place it on the left thigh
- Bend left leg at the knee and place it on right thigh,
thus assuming padmasana.
- Bend backwards without the support of your elbow, first
by right and then by left. Rest the back and head on the
ground. Place the palms above the shoulder on either side
of the head, fingers pointing towards the shoulders.
- Taking the cot on the palms, lift the head and shoulders
off the ground. Push your chin back and bring the center
on the ground. Balance the weight on the head and remove
the hands after balancing the weight on the head. Catch
hold of the big toes by hooking the index fingers around
them. Maintain this posture for half the time you maintain
sarvangasana.
- While returning, release the toes and with the support
of both the palms, straighten the neck slowly, hold your
right ankle with the right palm and with the help of your
left hand come up to the sitting Padmasana stithi.
- Unfold the legs one after the other.
Cautions
- Don’t overstretch your knees in Padmasana or
while performing matsyasana.
- Control the movements of your body with care to avoid
spinal injury.
- People suffering from heart disease, hernia or any
spinal problems should practice it carefully.
- Pregnant women should not practice it. Those who can
not perform padmasana can keep the legs stretched.
Duration
Hold the position as long as it is comfortable.
This can be between 1 and 1- 1/2 minute
Variations
- For a few days after you start performing this asana,
you can do it in a lying down position.
- Lie supine on the ground keeping the arms stretched
above the head palms facing upwards and both the arms
parallel to each other resting on the ground.
- Take both the hands on the either side of the head above
the shoulders fingers pointing the shoulders.
Taking the weight on the palms, lift head
and the back off the ground. Push your chin back and touch
the center of your crown to the ground, balance your weight
on the head, keep both the hands by the side of the body.
Please remember that no practice can be adequately learned
from a book, written instructions. The guidelines given in
the web pages are intended to give you an introduction to
different yogic postures. However, it is advised to practice
the asanas under the guidance of a Guru or a qualified yoga
instructor. |
