As evident from the name itself, ‘Matsya’ means ‘fish’. So, this pose translates into Fish pose. It is a part of the classic series of yoga asanas, which open the heart chakra. Apart from making one more compassionate and loving, it also has many physical benefits. First described in the Gheranda Samhita, this asana is practiced till date in all forms and styles. Learners of yoga can master this pose in the Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh.

If the physical and emotional benefits were not enough, you can also derive myriad spiritual benefits from this pose. One of the popular yoga Gurus dedicated the Fish pose to Lord Vishnu, who took incarnation as a Fish once. The incarnation was aimed at rescuing the seven great sages, Manu, the author of Manusmriti, and the Vedas from a flood. Thus, he is known as the preserver of the world’s knowledge.

How To Do Matsyasana?

So, now that you know a bit about the background of Matsyasana, let us understand how to do it.

•  Start by lying down on the mat, on your back. The arms will be by your side, with palms facing downwards.
• Cross your legs, just like in Padmasana.
• Take a deep breath and then exhale the air outwards. Fix your crossed legs to the mat. And, lift the chest upwards.
• You are also required to lift your neck from the floor, supporting the torso on the crown of the head. Gaze backward.
• Hold the feet, while keeping the elbow in touch with the mat.
• You can maintain the position for a few seconds. Breathe continuously.
• You can either keep your eyes open or closed.
• The spine gets a deep stretch in this pose.
• Slowly, inhale and release the arch position. Rest the back on the mat again.
• On your next inhalation, release the legs and relax.

The teacher at Samadhi Yoga Ashram will help you learn and master the pose, in the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in India.

Precautions and Contraindications

• While resting your crown on the mat, do not exert much pressure.
• Do not try to stretch the body beyond its limits.
• You must practice this asana, on an empty stomach.
• Do not strain your neck too much, while arching the spine.
• Those with spondylitis must avoid this asana.
• If you have blood pressure issues, migraines, or cardiac issues, then you must avoid this asana.
• If you had a neck or shoulder injury in the recent past, avoid this asana.
• Pregnant ladies should not practice this asana.

Tips To Do The Fish Pose

• If you are someone who is having issues with keeping the legs crossed in Padmasana, you can keep them straight. In such a case, you can keep the forearms on the mat, with palms facing upwards.
• Beginners may feel that this pose is challenging for them. So, one can also start with hands stretched over the head and back flat on the ground.
• In case you have difficulty keeping the crown of your head on the mat, you can place a yoga block underneath.
• You can also place a rolled blanket under your back, as it provides support to your back. 

Benefits Of the Fish Pose

Those who want to get all the myriad benefits of the Matsyasana, can learn it as a part of the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Bali, as well. Let us find some of them here.

• When you practice this pose on a regular basis, you enhance your upper body flexibility. There will be relief from tension and stiffness, as well.
• Its regular practice also strengthens the hips and spine.
• You can improve blood flow towards the head, if you practice this asana daily. This improves brain function and aids in making you focused.
• This asana acts as a chest opener and also improves lung capacity. Your respiratory health will improve for the better.
• The gentle stretch also gives a massage to the abdominal organs.
• You will get relief from menstrual pain as well, due to the gentle stretch that this asana gives to the hip flexors, and pelvis.
• Practicing the Matsyasana stimulates the heart and throat chakras.

Conclusion

This deep heart-opening backbend is taught in the Yoga teacher training in India, in a detailed manner. The teachers at Samadhi Yoga Ashram will provide you with complete knowledge and guidance on how to perform this asana in the best way.