Matsyasana: The fish pose

By Yogatma Srihari

Matsyasana or the fish pose stretches the front of the body, particularly the throat, chest, abdomen, hip flexors, and intercostals (the muscles between your ribs). It strengthens the upper back muscles and the back of the neck, which improves spinal flexibility and posture.

Benefits
The fish pose improves the lung capacity and reduces the blockages in the lungs and the heart. It also improves digestion.

How to perform
? Lie down on your back on the floor.
? Slowly lift your head and tilt it backwards.
? Touch the top of your head to the ground.
? Fold your legs.
? Lift your shoulders and back.

This can also be done with padmasana while lying down. Padma Matsya is a powerful asana for strengthening the hips and thighs.

Everybody can practice this exercise on a regular basis. But people with shoulder and neck pain should avoid doing this asana till the pain gets relieved.

This is a hata yoga asana and can be done by a hata yogi for the duration of upto five minutes. It improves the pain bearing ability, increases will power, and is one of the best asana for stability and flexibility.

( The author is a yoga guru , entrepreneur and motivational speaker.)