LORD OF THE FISHES POSE II

Ardha Matsyendrasana II (ARE-dah MOT-see-en-DRAHS-anna)

BENEFITS OF LORD OF THE FISHES POSE II

  • Opens the hips
  • Stretches the hamstrings and the psoas muscles
  • Engages the spinal cord and the back
  • Stretches the biceps and the triceps
  • Promotes the awareness of the breath
  • Brings peace of mind

SUMMARY OF LORD OF THE FISHES POSE II

Lord of the Fishes Pose II, or Ardha Matsyendrasana II, is a gracious intermediate yoga twist which also comes with stretching as well as with mental benefits. It flexes multiple muscles of the body, including the muscles of the hips, the hamstrings, the quadriceps, the psoas, the muscles of the back, the biceps and the triceps, lengthening practically the whole body. At the same time, it demands great awareness from the practitioner to hold it – this subsequently entails the synchronization of one’s breathing. Synchronization of one’s breathing, on the other hand, helps to alleviate anxiety and stress symptoms which points to the fact that Lord of the Fishes Pose II effectively reestablishes one’s peace of mind.

LORD OF THE FISHES POSE II TUTORIAL

Lord of the Fishes Pose II (Ardha Matsyendrasana II) - Yoga Pose

1.) Sit in Staff Pose on your mat with your toes pointed.

Lord of the Fishes Pose II (Ardha Matsyendrasana II) - Yoga Pose

2.) Bring your left foot into your right hip, hold it in place with your right arm.

Lord of the Fishes Pose II (Ardha Matsyendrasana II) - Yoga Pose

3.) With your left arm, reach behind your back and also hold on to your left foot.

Lord of the Fishes Pose II (Ardha Matsyendrasana II) - Yoga Pose

4.) Twist to behind you, and place your right hand underneath your left knee keeping your arm straight and your palm facing down.

Lord of the Fishes Pose II (Ardha Matsyendrasana II) - Yoga Pose

5.) Continue to twist your body and sit up with erect posture.

Lord of the Fishes Pose II (Ardha Matsyendrasana II) - Yoga Pose

6.) Hold the pose for up to 30 seconds. To release the pose, simply reverse the steps and repeat on the opposite side.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF LORD OF THE FISHES POSE II

LORD OF THE FISHES POSE II FOR STRETCHING THE LEG MUSCLES

Lord of the Fishes Pose II genially stretches the muscles of the legs including the hamstrings, the quadriceps and the psoas, making them beautifully long and lean. Furthermore, it opens the hips.

LORD OF THE FISHES POSE II FOR STRETCHING THE MUSCLES OF THE ARMS

Lord of the Fishes Pose II lengthens the biceps and the triceps.

LORD OF THE FISHES POSE II FOR SPINE FLEXIBILITY

Lord of the Fishes Pose II twists and lengthens the spine, making it more flexible and supporting its healthy curvature.

LORD OF THE FISHES POSE II FOR PEACE OF MIND

Lord of the Fishes Pose II facilitates the breathing process by synchronizing it with our body movements. It cares for its healthy tempo and consistency hence this way it also cares for relieving the symptoms of anxiety and stress. Doing the Lord of the Fishes Pose II helps the practitioner regain their well – deserved peace of mind.

Contraindications & Cautions

  • Vertebral disc injuries
  • Pregnant women
  • Severe back/neck pain or injury

Modifications & Deepening the Pose

LORD OF THE FISHES POSE II BACK TWIST VARIATION

This variation gives the spine a pleasurable twist and helps to open up the shoulders more. Starting from the standard Lord of the Fishes Pose II, let go of the arms as well as remove the foot from the groin; place it flat on the ground by the knee of the second leg, bringing the thigh of leg as close to the torso as possible and comfortable. Grab the outer bent knee with the hand of the opposite arm while the second arm reaches backwards behind the spine. Let the torso and the head follow that movement and feel the chest opening.