Half Lord Of The Fishes Pose | Ardha Matsyendrasana

HALF LORD OF THE FISHES POSE INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start in bound angle pose and cross your left leg over the right, placing the sole of your left foot on the outside of your right thigh.
2. Rest your left hand on the floor, twist your upper body to the left and pull your left knee toward the chest with the help of your right arm.
3. Stay in half lord of the fishes pose for 30 seconds and then repeat on the opposite side.

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE

Keep your chin parallel to the floor, elongate the spine and relax the shoulders. Breathe deeply, twist your body as you exhale and lengthen the spine as you inhale.

ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA BENEFITS

The half lord of the fishes pose eases tension in the lower back, opens the chest and stretches the shoulders, hips, back, and neck. This pose energizes the spine, reduces bloating and enhances digestion.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Shoulder, back or hip injury.

PREPARATORY, COMPLEMENTARY AND FOLLOW-UP POSES

Start with cat-cow or bound angle pose and then progress to half lord of the fishes pose. Follow-up with bridge pose or camel pose.

RELATED YOGA POSES

Try these other yoga poses to relax and relieve stress and tension:
Camel pose
Bound angle pose
Bow pose
Knees to chest pose

YOGA ESSENTIAL FLOWS