Matsya Asana means fish posture. It is called fish, as this position fills the lungs with air, improving the ability to float in water. Matsyasana gives a backward stretch to the cervical thoracic, and lumbar regions of the spine and the chest fully. Values of certain asanas are maximised when done one after the other. This asana gives maximum benefit when performed after the Sarvanga Asana (Shoulderstand posture).
There are two methods of doing this asana. One is folding or turning back the head and neck area combined with the lotus posture (Padma Asana). The second easier method is without the lotus posture and can be practiced by any person.
How to do :
1) Sit in the lotus posture, with your right foot on the left thigh and left foot on the right thigh as shown in figure. Sit erect with the knees touching the floor.
2)Lie down on the floor, pull your palms backward a little and fold your elbows to support the body weight. Move one elbow at a time further to allow the whole back to come to the floor. Breath normally.
3)Bring your palms underneath the hips and the buttock. At the same time fold your elbows.
Lift the head and bend it towards the floor, so that only upper portion of the head (crown) touches the floor.
4)Try to make an arch between the crown and the flank (upper area of the hip and waist) by giving a pull with your palms to the hip. In this position your body weight is resting at two points - head and the hip.
5)Bring your palms to the feet and hold the toes. Now you are in the perfect fish posture. Breathe normally and remain in this position for 6 to 8 seconds.
6)For returning, leave the toes and bring your palms to the hips. Fold your elbows and support the body weight on them.
7)Lift the head upward, straighten the neck and put them back on the floor.
8)Unfold the legs from the lotus posture and stretch them out straight. Bring your hands on the floor and relax. You have completed one round of fish posture.
Benefits
The fish posture normalizes the function of the thyroid, pituitary, pineal and adrenal glands. It limbers and stretches the neck, strengthens and tones the nervous system, the kidneys, the stomach and intestines, the pelvic organs, and the nerves connected with the sex functions.
The fish posture normalizes the function of the thyroid, pituitary, pineal and adrenal glands. It limbers and stretches the neck, strengthens and tones the nervous system, the kidneys, the stomach and intestines, the pelvic organs, and the nerves connected with the sex functions.
This is the only posture in this sequence which bends the spine (including the neck) backwards.
For asthmatics, Matsya Asana has a several benefits. It corrects the disorder of respiratory system as a whole, relieves spasms in the bronchial tubes and helps to relieve asthma and other respiratory problems.
It has corrective effects on neck and shoulder troubles. Good effects on facial tissues, correct the disorders of the spine.