Matsyasana
(Fish Pose)
Matsya in Sanskrit means fish.
One immediately identifies this asana with the figurative relevance like any other hatha asanas. But here the asana is suggestive of the quality of floating like a fish - a state that`s induced by assuming this posture.
 Traditional texts state that Matsyasana is the "destroyer of all diseases."
This asana is therapeutically helpful in constipation, respiratory faculties, fatigue and anxiety. Its also good for preventing mildly recurring backaches before they go worse. Also recommended for menstrual cramps.
This asana can be performed by the learned in padmasana. But a beginner can always start with an easier note.
Asana technique:
Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent, feet on the floor.
Inhale, lift your pelvis slightly off the floor, and slide your hands, palms down, below your buttocks.
Rest your buttocks on the backs of your hands, and don`t lift them off your hands as you perform this pose. Be sure to tuck your forearms and elbows up close to the sides of your torso.
Inhale and press your forearms and elbows firmly against the floor.
Then press your scapulas into your back and, while inhaling, lift your upper torso and head away from the floor. Then release your head back onto the floor.
Depending on how high you arch your back and lift your chest, either the back of your head or its crown will rest on the floor. There should be a minimal amount of weight on your head to avoid crunching your neck.
You can keep your knees bent or straighten your legs out onto the floor. If you do the latter, keep your thighs active, and press out through the heels.
Stay for 15 to 30 seconds, breathing smoothly. With an exhalation lower your torso and head to the floor.
Draw your thighs up into your belly and squeeze.
The body feeling the maximum impact of this pose is that of belly, chest, spine, shoulder and neck.
Aid: The back bending position in Matsyasana can be difficult for beginning students. Perform the pose with your back supported on a thickly rolled blanket. Be sure your head rests comfortably on the floor and your throat is soft. Beginners sometimes strain their neck in this pose. If you feel any discomfort in your neck or throat, either lower your chest slightly toward the floor, or put a thickly folded blanket under the back of your head.
Benefits of Matsyasana
Stretches the deep hip flexors and the muscles (intercostals) between the ribs.
Stretches and stimulates the muscles of the belly and front of the neck.
Stretches and stimulates the organs of the belly and throat.
Strengthens the muscles of the upper back and back of the neck.
Improves posture.
Precautions
The asana is not recommended in the case of:
High or low blood pressure
Migraine
Insomnia
Serious lower-back or neck injury.
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