Description:

Matsyasana or the Fish Pose has been so named as this particular posture fills the human lungs with air and improves their ability to float upon water. This asana provides a complete backward stretch to the chest, lumbar areas of the spine and also the cervical thoracic. Matsyasana can be practiced in two ways: you can practice it in the lotus pose or also without being in the lotus pose. But practicing it in the lotus pose is more superior than practicing it without being in the lotus pose.



English Name: Fish Pose



Procedure:

1. Sit in Padmasana or the Lotus pose and then slowly lie down on your back. Keep your legs folded in the Lotus pose.

2. Rest your thigh, head, spine and the neck completely on the floor and breathe normally.

3. Slowly bring both your palms under your hips and buttocks.

4. Lift up your head and bend it towards the floor so that only the crown touches the ground.

5. Now very slowly form an arch in between your crown and your flank.

6. After you have formed the arch, hold your feet with both your hands. During this whole process breath normally. This is the perfect fish posture.

7. Retain this posture for 6-8 seconds and then slowly come back to your normal position.



Benefits:

1. If you are suffering from neck or shoulder problems, then this is the only asana which can cure the trouble completely.

2. It corrects disorders of the spine and also has a beneficial effect on your facial tissues.

3. This asana cures all kind of respiratory troubles, relieves the spasm in the bronchial tissues and thus cures asthma.

4. It normalizes and stimulates the functioning of the adrenal, pituitary, thyroid and the pineal glands.



Contradictions:

Initially it is advisable to start off with one round of this asana which can gradually be increased with every passing day. If you have undergone any major operation or surgical treatment, consult your physician before practicing this asana.