Ardha Matsyendrasana Yoga & And Its Health Benefits
Ardha Matsyendrasana, the name comes from the Sanskrit “ardha” meaning “half”, “matsya” meaning “fish“, “Indra” which means “King” and Asana which means body Posture. This asana is also called Vakrasana. ‘Vakra’ means distorted in Sanskrit. Some of the other names for this asana are Half Lord of the Fishes Pose and Half Spinal Twist. It is a seated spine rotation and has many variations. This pose is one of the 12 basic asanas used in the hatha yoga program.
Health Benefits of Ardha Matsyendrasana
- This asana makes the spine more flexible. It relaxes the spinal cord and improves spinal cord function.
- This asana helps to stretch the muscles on one side of the body while cramping the muscles on the other.
- This asana helps with stiffness and pain in the back between the vertebrae.
- This asana helps heal slippery slopes.
- This asana helps massage and stimulate the pancreas, thus helping diabetics.
Precautions And Contraindications
- This asana should be avoided during pregnancy and menstruation as it involves excessive torsion of the stomach.
- People who have recently had stomach, heart, or brain surgery should not practice this asana.
- People with inguinal hernias or stomach ulcers should perform this asana carefully and under the supervision of a certified yoga instructor.
- People with minor problems with slippery slopes will benefit from this asana. But they have to do it under the supervision and with the approval of a doctor. If you have severe spinal problems or severe disc problems, it is best to avoid this asana.
Steps To Do Ardha Matsyendrasana
- Sit up straight with outstretched legs. Make sure your legs are together and that your spine is completely straight.
- Now bend your left leg so that the heel of your left foot is next to your right hip. You can also stretch your left leg if you like.
- Then place your right foot next to your left knee then bring it over the knee.
- Turn your waist, neck, and shoulders to the right, and focus your gaze on the right shoulder. Make sure your spine is straight.
- There are many ways to position your arms to increase and decrease the stretch. But to make things easier, you can put your right hand behind you and your left hand on your right knee.
- Hold the pose for a few seconds, about 30 to 60 seconds, breathing slowly but deeply.
- Exhale and release your right hand, then your waist, chest, and finally your neck. Relax when you sit up straight.
- Repeat for the other side, then exhale and return to the front.
