LORD OF THE FISHES POSE I
Matsyendrasana (MOT-see-en-DRAHS-anna)
BENEFITS OF LORD OF THE FISHES POSE I
- Opens the hips
- Stretches the hamstrings and the psoas muscles
- Engages the spinal cord and the back
- Promotes the awareness of the breath
- Brings peace of mind
SUMMARY OF LORD OF THE FISHES POSE I
The Lord of the Fishes Pose, or Matsyendrasana, offers a great spinal twist while massaging the abdominal organs, improving their function. It actively lengthens the tailbone, stretches the hips and engages the muscles of the core and the back at the same time. Demanding great balance, it also brings peace to the mind and has a soothing effect on the nervous system.
LORD OF THE FISHES POSE I TUTORIAL
1.) Begin seated in Staff Pose.
2.) Bend your right leg under your left and place your foot under your left glute.
3.) Bend your left leg over your right.
4.) Using your left arm for support behind you, begin to twist into your left knee, turning your body toward your left knee. Lift your right arm up straight by your right ear.
5.) Place your right arm on the outside of your left knee and press into your knee to deepen the twist to the left.
6.) Now turn your gaze to over your left shoulder and enjoy the stretch. Repeat on the opposite side.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF LORD OF THE FISHES POSE I
LORD OF THE FISHES POSE I FOR OPENING THE HIPS
Lord of the Fishes is a really great hip opener which can prepare you for performing more advanced poses demanding flexibility. At the same time, it stretches the hamstrings and the psoas muscle.
LORD OF THE FISHES POSE I FOR LENGTHENING THE SPINE
Twisting lengthens the spine as well as the tailbone which supports a healthy position of the anatomical structures in the area. It is also considered detoxifying.
LORD OF THE FISHES POSE I FOR OPENING THE UPPER BODY
Since the Lord of the Fishes pose allows the chest to align with the twist of the spine, stretching the muscles of the shoulder girdle and the neck lets create a lot of space in the upper body.
LORD OF THE FISHES POSE I FOR AWARENESS AND CALMNESS
Twisting in such a complex pose demands inner balance, focus and calmness which results in sharper awareness and intent. The pose delivers the body a sort of a massage while one needs to synchronize the breath with their movements, providing additional benefits. Any tension, discomfort or pain is released.
Contraindications & Cautions
- Vertebral disc injuries
- Pregnant women
- Severe back/neck pain or injury
Modifications & Deepening the Pose
SAGE TWIST POSE FOR A DEEPER STRETCH
Starting from the standard Lord of the Fishes Pose, move the foot of the bent leg to the outer side of the knee of the opposite leg. Plae it flat on the ground, not removing the foot of the second leg from the groin. Let both of the arms loose and start bending forward from the level of the hips. Simultaneously, reach both arms back so that they hug the shin and the thigh of the bent leg. Grab the opposite hand’s wrist with the other arm’s hand. Proceed bending forward until you can rest your forehead on the ground, the crown of the head pointing forward. This variation of the Lord of the Fishes Pose offers a deeper stretch and lengthening in the lower back as well as in the leg muscles.