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In Matsyasana the yogi will assume the ‘Fish posture’. The Sanskrit term, ‘Matsya’, means a fish. Mentionably, when a person takes this position in water he/she will be able to float on the water without the aid of the hands or feet.
Methodology of Matsyasana Yoga
- Assume the Padmasana feet-lock position.
- Your knees should be touching the ground.
- Gradually lean back on your elbows.
- Lie flat on your back.
- During this position you can take the support of your elbows and hands.
- The hands will have to be brought backwards towards the head.
- Now place the palms flat on the ground.
- Your hands need to be in the reverse direction with respect to and under the corresponding shoulders.
- Press down your palms and knees.
- Push your abdomen and chest forward.
- Raise the hips, back and shoulders from the ground.
- Your body will have to be supported on the hands.
- Arch the spine.
- At the same time, bend backwards your neck and head to the maximum level.
- Your crown will have to be placed perpendicularly on the floor.
- Bring forwards your hands.
- Grasp the back portions of your thighs.
- Your elbows should be used as the lever to lift your abdomen, and chest.
- This will help in arching the spine and also keeping your crown in the proper position on the ground.
- With the thumb, index and middle fingers form hooks to catch hold of and then to gently pull the opposite toes.
- Remain comfortably in this position for at least 10 seconds.
- You will have to breathe normally and rhythmically.
- Slowly return to the starting Padmasana position.
Advantages of Matsyasana Yoga
- The chest expands.
- Your lungs will be able to augment their capacities to hold fresh oxygenated air.
- The spinal column is toned up.
- The spinal dorsal and cervical regions become more flexible as they also get expanded.
- Spinal curvatures from incorrect habitual sitting positions are corrected.
