Fish (Matsyasana)

The next pose among the 12 basic yoga postures is Fish (Matsyasana). Doing Fish entails resting on one's arms, arching one's back, and expanding one's chest. Matsya translates as "fish." This posture will allow you to float in water like a fish, hence the term matsyāsana.

The Fish stimulates and purifies the respiratory system, enhancing lung capacity, alleviating asthma, and boosting overall vigor. Matsysana relieves stiffness in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, increasing blood circulation to these areas. The stance then corrects the modern-day bent back/shoulder issue while simultaneously toning the nerves of the neck and back. The calcium-absorbing parathyroid glands in the back of the neck are stimulated, resulting in a stronger and more plastic skeletal structure.

Emotions are calmed and moods are stabilized. In this posture, the anāhata cakra is awakened, and energy blockages in the throat and neck region are eliminated.

Fish (Matsyasana) is a pose not too much for those who are new to yoga. You just need to do it gently and slowly.

Step by step:

• Bring your forearms flat on the mat and your upper arms perpendicular to the floor as you rise to your elbows.
• Roll your shoulders back and tuck your shoulder blades firmly against your back to keep your forearms in place and puff up your chest. You should be able to feel a backbend in your body.
• Your palms should be pressed into the mat. If tucking your hands beneath your butt is more stable for you, do so.
• Open your throat by lowering the crown (very top) of your head until it reaches the floor.
• Throughout, keep your legs engaged and your toes working.
• Press firmly onto your forearms and lift your head off the floor to come out. Then, with your upper body on the mat, release it.

Beginner’s Tips:

This pose can cause neck pain in beginners. If you're having trouble with your neck or throat, either drop your chest to the floor or place a heavily folded blanket behind your head.

Common Mistakes

• You establish a lift in the upper body, make sure to root into your forearms, heels, and engaged thighs. This will keep your head and neck safe and supported.
• The arch of your neck and back should be continuous. Imagine laying the middle of your crown, not your forehead, on the ground.