Matsyāsana/ Fish
comes
from the Sanskrit matsya meaning fish and āsana meaning posture.
In matsyāsana, the body is said to resemble the shape of a fish.
The counter-pose to the Shoulderstand and known for its powerful strengthening and cleansing action on the respiratory system, the Fish also increases lung capacity, relieving asthma and other respiratory diseases. It stimulates the parathyroid gland which regulates uptake of calcium, resulting in healthy bones and teeth. It instills calmness.
Lying flat on the back, bring the feet together. Stretch the arms under the body keeping the elbows straight and the palms flat on the floor beneath the thighs.
Pushing up on the elbows, lift the head and chest until you are sitting halfway up.
Drop the head back so that it is gently touching the ground but the weight of body is on elbows. Pushing on the elbows and pulling the shoulders back, lift the chest as high as possible. Breathe deeply, expanding the ribcage with each inhalation. The Fish is usually held for half as long as the Shoulderstand.
Coming out of the position. Lift the head slightly, straighten the back, and lower the head and shoulders to the ground. Relax in the Corpse Pose.
Common Mistakes While Performing Asanas Fish - wrong methodSivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres & Ashrams
Fish common mistakes
The arms should be straight with the hands side by side. The chest should be raised with the shoulders pulled back. The buttocks should not be lifted up. The legs should be straight with the feet together. Only a little weight should be on the head. Breathing exercises should not be done in this position.
The arms should be straight with the hands side by side. The chest should be raised with the shoulders pulled back. The buttocks should not be lifted up. The legs should be straight with the feet together. Only a little weight should be on the head. Breathing exercises should not be done in this position.
How to do the FishSivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres & Ashrams
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
• Helps to tone the nerves of the neck and back area.
• Relieves stiffness in the neck & shoulders and increases blood supply to these parts.
• Corrects any tendency to round the shoulders.
• Strengthens the arm muscles.
• Expands the rib cage, so deep breathing may easily be practiced, which improves the capacity of the lungs, decongests the lungs, and relieves asthma.
• Together with Shoulderstand, helps to improve the functioning of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
MENTAL BENEFITS
• The wide opening of the rib cage reduces the pressure on the abdomen and recharges the solar plexus. This helps to overcome depression.
Anyone learning these postures should only do so under the supervision of a competent teacher. The instructions shared as part of this exhibit are for reference and knowledge only. Anyone following these on their own, they do so at their own risk. Persons with health issues and or during pregnancy are advised to consult a medical expert before attempting any of the postures.
Demonstrators in the photographs: Kannan, Padmavati, Ananda, Eri, Asha, Shreyas, Rohit
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