Debosmita Ghosh • 17 Jul 2024
Matsyasana: Health Benefits Of The Fish Pose, How To Do It
Health Benefits Of Matsyasana And How To Do It
The word yoga means to connect or unite. To connect with the self or divine self or your soul. There are eight different parts of yoga which include yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi. When you perform all of these, it helps you to achieve enlightenment. Yoga asanas and pranayama can help to cure several health conditions and manage their symptoms.
There are different yoga asanas and each of them has its own benefits. One of them is Matsyasana. This asana is known as the Fish Pose. The name Matsyasana is derived from the Sanskrit words “Matsya” which means “Fish” and “asana” which means “posture”. The pose is named Matsyasana because the final posture resembles a fish.
But first, take a look at how to perform the pose correctly.
- Start by lying on your back and keep your feet together and hands relaxed alongside your body.
- Then place your hands under your hips with palms facing down and bring the elbows closer to each other.
- Breath in and lift the head and chest.
- Keep your chest elevated, then lower the head backwards and touch the top of your head to the floor.
- Keep your head lightly touched to the floor and press your elbows firmly to the ground. Make sure to keep your weight on the elbow and not on the head.
- Hold the pose for a while and keep breathing in and out.
- Now lift the head up, lower the chest and head to the floor. Bring your hands back along the sides of the body and relax.
Health Benefits Of Matsyasana
Improves Flexibility of the Spine
Matsyasana helps to stretch the thoracic spine, thereby, increasing flexibility and mobility. It also helps in relieving stiffness and tension in the back, thereby, helping you get a better range of motion.
Improves Lung Capacity
This pose helps to open up the chest and expand the rib cage, which improves lung capacity and helps in deeper breathing. It can be beneficial for people with respiratory issues or who practice pranayama.
Helps In Thyroid Function
When you extend the neck and throat while performing the pose, it helps to stimulate the thyroid and parathyroid glands. This helps in regulating your metabolism which eventually helps in maintaining your hormonal balance.
Alleviates Respiratory Problems
This pose helps to open up your chest which helps in reducing congestion and improving airflow. It can be beneficial in relieving symptoms of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions.
Boosts Mood and Energy Levels
Matsyasana can improve your emotional well-being and reduce stress by improving circulation and stimulating the heart chakra. It is also known to help reduce fatigue and boost energy levels.
Strengthens Neck and Upper Back Muscles
This pose helps to engage and strengthen the muscles in the neck, upper back and shoulders. This helps to improve your posture and reduce the risk of developing chronic neck and shoulder pain.
Improves Digestion
Matsyasana helps to stimulate the digestive organs with the gentle arching of the back and opening of the abdominal area. This can also help in better digestion and reduce issues such as constipation and bloating.