What is the Lord of Fish Pose (Matsyendrasana)?
Lord of Fish Pose is also known as Matsyendrasana. It is a seated twisting asana in hatha yoga and a modern yoga as exercise. This pose is great stretch for the neck and shoulders. The spinal twist in this asana improves the elasticity of the spine. This asana improves the health and performance of spleen, kidney and bowel.
Matsyendrasana is a combination of a sanskrit words, like matsya means, “fish” , Indra means, “king” and Asana means, “posture”. Accordimg to Hindu mythology, Matsyendrasana taken from the name Matsyendra, who was the first student of Adiyogi (lord shiva).
How to Perform Matsyendrasana?
This asana must be done with empty stomach condition. Make sure you have your meals at least four hours before the practice.
Here is the steps by step guidance of perform Lord of Fish Pose:
Step 1. To begin Matsyendrasana, sit down on the ground with your legs are stretched out in front of you.
Step 2. Keep your spine straight and shoulders are relaxed.
Step 3. Bend your right leg to the knee and place the right foot on the ground.
Step 4. Then slowly bend the left leg by raising your knee.
Step 5. Place the left foot on the ground to the right of your right knee.
Step 6. Stretch your right hand backward and place your palms flat on the floor behind your back.
Step 7. Raise your left arms over your head.
Step 8. Stretch it around your right knee and grasp your right ankle.
Step 9. Breathing gently and hold this posture for a while.
Step 10. Do with the other side also.
These are the correct ways to practice the Lord of Fish Pose aka Matsyendrasana. There are many health benefits of this pose, that we are mentioned below.
What are the Benefits of Lord of Fish pose (Matsyendrasana)?
The pose also increases spinal flexibility, promotes spinal health, tones the abdominal organs, improves digestion, reduces belly fat. It reduces the aging signs.
Let’s discuss some of the key Benefits of the Lord of Fish Pose:
- Improves Flexibility: This Matsyendrasana stretch the back muscles, hip muscles, legs muscles and the upper abdominal muscles. This stretch improves the flexibility and giving them a toned look. The twisting motion helps increase flexibility in your spine and hips.
- Relieves Back Pain: The Lord of Fish Pose helps release tension from the lower back and relieves stiffness from sitting or standing for long periods. It brings the more flow of blood to the spine. This will improves the range of motion of the spine. It help to give a better posture.
- Boosts Digestion: The twist massages your internal organs of the stomach. Lord of Fish Pose will helps to enhance the digestion process and detoxifying your body.
- Stimulates the Nervous System: The twisting of the spine in this Matsyendrasana helps to get rid of the tightness in the muscles. It will helps to calm the nervous system and promote the relaxation in the body.
- Opens the Chest: As you twist in this pose, it encourages chest opening. The practitioner able to breathe deeper and better. Lord of Fish Pose will enhance the lung capacity and also helps to improve the respiration process.
- Improves Spinal Health: The twisting the back will give stretch and strength to the spine. This will improves our spinal health.
- Create Inner Awareness: The Lord of Fish Pose is asymmetrical pose while practice the asymmetrical pose brings balance to the body. It will balance the body and bring a peace of mind curing nervous disorder. This pose improves the awareness of the breathe and helps to connect with inner soul.
Contraindications of Lord of Fish pose (Matsyendrasana)
- If you have any back pain, you should do with close supervision.
- If you have spinal issues, you should avoid this asana.
- During menstruation, avoid this asana.
- This pose can press on fetus. So, pregnant women avoid this pose.
Summary
Up to this point, we have discussed the steps and benefits of the Lord of Fish Pose or Matsyendrasana. When you practice this pose regularly, it stretches the chest, strengthens the spine, and promotes relaxation. It is especially beneficial for counteracting the effects of slouching or prolonged sitting.
