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Conscious Healthy Living
July 30, 2010
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The Fish Pose
Written by Yoga Lizard   
The Fish Pose is also called Matsya-asana. The word Matsya means fish in Sanskrit. In Hindu mythology Matsya is depicted as the avatar of Vishnu who appeared in the form of a fish to save all living beings from a great flood.

This pose is useful in opening the rib cage and expanding the capacity of the lungs. It also improves posture as it stretches the muscles of the back, the shoulders, the belly, and the hips.
 

Instructions:

Begin by lying flat on your back in the shava asana position (the corpse pose).
Place your hands, palms down, underneath your buttocks.
Using your elbows as support, arch your back raising your chin, neck, shoulders and torso away from the floor. Only the top of your head, forearms and lower body should be touching the floor. ( See illustration above.)
Hold this pose for 30 seconds or up to a few minutes, breathing deeply to fully expand your lungs. Take care not to strain your neck in this pose. If you feel any discomfort in this posture you can try lowering the arch of your body closer to the floor.
To come out of the pose return to shava asana.

Anatomical Focus

Backbend

Benefits

Excellent counter pose after Shoulder Stand.

Precautions

Be careful if you have any neck injuries.

Doshic Benefits

Tridoshic after shoulder stand. 

Beginner Tips

Bring the elbows under the shoulders and just drop the head back even if it doesn't reach the floor.

Variations

Try extending the arms straight and bringing the palms together. See if you can float your feet off the floor. Try bringing the lower teeth over the upper teeth.

* Please check with your physician before beginning any exercise program

Would you like to further discuss the Fish Pose? Please visit our forums by clicking here
 

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