MATSYASANA - The Fish

March 2009

by Lisa T. Daniel www.LisaTDaniel.com

Fish Pose focuses on the area located at the throat. The Fish is good for opening that area of the body and calling attention to it.

The glands that it affects are the thyroid and parathyroid. The verb associated with this area of the body is” I speak. When this area malfunctions, physical problems include sore throat, stiff neck, colds, thyroid problems, and hearing problems can occur. The functions of this area of the body as related to this pose are communication and creativity.
Emotionally speaking, the energy of this pose will allow for a deeper opening of expression and creativity in many forms which in turn helps to bring you into for completeness with self.
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Lie on your back with your legs extended out and your feet together.
Slide your arms under your back with your hands resting palms down (your buttocks is resting on your hands) and your elbows as close together as possible. Be sure that your elbows are pressing down into the floor and not pointing outwards.

Press your heels away from your hips.

Push down on your elbows and lift your chest off the floor putting your weight onto your elbows. At first, the whole upper part of your body is lifted off the ground.

Carefully, allow your head to bend backwards, until the crown of the head lightly touches the ground. There is an arch in your back and your chest and neck are stretched open. Some of the weight is balanced on your head and some on your buttocks and legs and feet. The elbows are no longer your major support.

Hold the posture and breathe into your throat and chest. Feel the opening in your throat and chest as you breathe. Your chest is suspended as if on a cushion of air.

When you are ready to release the posture, press your sitz bones firmly down and bring your weight back onto your elbows . Carefully raise your head so it is in line with your torso. Now lower the whole torso onto the floor and move your arms out from underneath you. And then gently release your head down onto the floor.

Take a moment or two to relax, release all holding in the body and just receive the benefits of this posture.

“My soul is as light as the air and floats on waves of cosmic light”