Ardha Matsyendrasana

(Half Lord of the Fish Posture)

Since this asana was performed by Sri Matsyendranath, it is known as Matsyendrasana. While practicing Paschimotasana and Halasana spine bends forward and while practicing Chakrasana and Dhanurasana spine bends backwards. Contrary to these, spine turns both ways in Ardha Matsyendrasana.

Not only does spine become flexible during practice of this asana but all organs of abdomen become healthy. The pressure on the large intestine pushes residual fecal matter, thus resolving problem of constipation and improving digestion.

Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Fish Posture)

Method

Sit on floor and stretch legs in front keeping both feet together. Raise right leg, bend it at knee so that there is enough place for left leg to slide under it. Slide left leg, by bending it at knee. Take it under right leg such that left heel is placed next to right buttock. Now bend right leg and take to left side such that the right foot is besides left knee, on the floor. Bring left hand over right knee and hold the toe. Take right hand around back and try to place it on left thigh. Turn neck and shoulders slowly to left keeping spine erect. The posture will be deemed perfect when shoulders are positioned in a straight line. Release left hand, right hand and then straighten legs. Repeat with opposite legs.

Duration

Initially this asana should be practiced for half a minute. Increasing by half a minute every week, this asana can be practiced upto three minutes. While sitting erect, take a deep and long breath in. Exhale slowly while bringing heel close to buttocks. Inhale deeply while taking hand over knee. Exhale when neck and shoulders are turned around and hand is taken around back to be placed on opposite thigh. In advanced stages of practice, position of asana can be held for as long as ten minutes.

Precaution

Patient with spine/vertebral column problems should avoid/not practice this asana.

Effect on Health

Along with bestowing health benefits this asana is useful for practice of meditation too. During practice of this asana the hands, legs, abdomen, back, spine, waist and neck are greatly strengthened. Muscles of hands and legs become flexible and strong. Nervous system remains active and balanced. Complete balance is attained when asana is performed completely. Efficient functioning of organs is also enhanced. Stretch is experienced on both sides of abdomen, chest and neck and hence organs of abdomen i.e. stomach, large intestine, small intestine, liver, kidneys and spleen become healthy. Similarly muscles of neck and lungs are also strengthened. Regular practice of this asana makes body shapely and attractive. Spine retains its flexibility. Fresh vital energy is generated in body. Face radiates with health and happiness. This asana is very important for proper functioning of gall bladder Diabetics have also found great help from this asana.

Ardha Matsyendrasana is said to mainly influence adrenal, thymus, thyroid gland and the gonads. Heel is positioned near the anus where seminal vesicles are situated. Stretch felt here, helps to balance its functioning and urinary tract also remains healthy. As a result, no urinary disorder occurs. Effective pressure is also experienced on abdomen and chest during practice of this asana. As a result, all organs, muscles and above mentioned glands remains healthy.

Other Benefits

With regular practice of this asana, chest, ribs, neck, navel, arms and peru (the part of body lying between the navel and pubic region) etc. are massaged internally. Practitioner remains completely healthy. Practice of this asana also proves beneficial in maintaining celibacy.