Fish Pose | Matsyasana

FISH POSE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Lie on your back with your legs extended and place your hands under the buttocks.
2. Press your elbows and forearms into the floor, lift your chest and neck toward the ceiling and rest the crown of the head on the floor.
3. Stay in fish pose for 15 to 30 seconds.

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE

Don’t put any pressure on your head and neck. Breathe slowly and use the arms, glutes, legs and torso to support the posture.

MATSYASANA BENEFITS

The fish pose stretches the chest, abs, hip flexors and the muscles in the front of the neck, and strengthens the back and the neck. This pose also stimulates the abdominal and thoracic organs, and improves posture.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Back or neck injury and migraine.

PREPARATORY, COMPLEMENTARY AND FOLLOW-UP POSES

Start with bow pose, locust pose or bridge pose and then progress to fish pose. Follow-up with cow face pose, camel pose or hero pose.

RELATED YOGA POSES

Try these other yoga poses to relax and relieve stress and tension:
Hero pose
Locust pose
Half moon pose
Side plank pose

YOGA ESSENTIAL FLOWS