Matsyasana-Fish Pose

A Quick Demonstration by a Professional

A Quick Demonstration by Myself

The Sanskrit name for this posture is "Matsyasana", and translates to "fish pose", which is also the english name for this posture.

To achieve Matsyasana, one must follow these essential steps:

1. Lie down with the knees bent and feet pressing into the floor.
2. Inhale, straighten the legs, raise the pelvis, and press the hands, forearms, and elbows beside the buttocks and into the floor.
3. Slide your body towards the back of your mat.
4. Reach the head back and raise the upper torso so that only the crown of the head is touching the floor (Do not put a lot of pressure here).
5. Continue to inhale and exhale here for 15-30 seconds, reaching the chest to the sky, arching the back, and resting on the heels of the feet.
6. Exhale and lower the torso and head back to the floor.

Actions involved in this asana (posture) include contracting the quadriceps and keeping feet in Tadasana (as I am demonstrating), or "Barbie Feet" (demonstrated by the professional).

One must take slow breathes, and strengthen the core as they stretch the spine and reach the heart center to the sky.

This pose has many benefits as it allows the chest to opens the lungs, heart, and abdomen. Because of this, it encourages easier breathing and is recommended for those with breathing conditions

(such as asthma). It helps strengthen the spine and allow for more flexibility in the back.

In this asana, I feel peaceful, strong, and open to the world as I let the breathe flow through me and strengthen my core.

Sources:

"Yoga Journal - Fish Pose."Yoga Journal: Yoga Poses, Classes, Meditation, and Life - On and Off the Mat - Namaste . N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2010. .

"Fish Pose | LexiYoga."LexiYoga | Balance Mind, Body and Spirit. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2010. .

"Yoga, Directory of asanas, English names, Sanskrit asanas, Translating asanas to postures." Alternative Medicine, Complementary Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Mind-Body Medicine, Herbs, Nutrition. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2010.http://www.holisticonline.com/Yoga/hol_yoga_dir_fromenglish.htm.