The Fish ? (Matsyasana)
The Fish pose does not look like a fish but if it is performed in water it enables a person to float like a fish, hence the name. In this posture the chest is fully expanded and stretched, and the breathing becomes fuller.
The Fish pose should be practiced after the Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) and the Plough pose (Halasana) because it gives the neck an effective counter stretch and because it opens and releases any muscular tension of the chest after performing Shoulderstand and Plough. When these postures are practiced together the activity of the thyroid gland is regulated; a hypo active gland is stimulated and a hyper active gland is pacified.
The Fish pose relieves the stiffness of the neck and shoulder muscles and corrects any tendency of having rounded shoulders.
It stretches the muscles between the ribs and the throat as well as the abdominal organs. It removes stiffness in cervical (neck), thoracic (between neck and waist) and lumbar (lower part of the back) regions increasing blood circulation in these areas. It strengthens the muscles of the upper back and the neck. It regulates emotions and it relieves stress.
Many people who have depression often have feelings of tightness or pressure in the chest. This pose performed regularly can help ease the pressure.
The Fish should be performed for at least half the amount of time of performing the Shoulderstand in order to balance the stretch.
Tip for beginners: you may place a blanket or a block under your head if the crown does not comfortably come to the floor.
Even though the Fish pose brings tremendous benefits to the practitioner, there are some health conditions where this pose should not be practiced.
Three important reasons (out of many) not to do the Fish:
1) During pregnancy this asana is to be avoided as it places enormous strain on the womb.
2) If you suffer from serious lower back or neck injury avoid this posture.
3) In case of hernia this asana must not be practiced.
Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.
