Fish Pose is an effective counter pose for Shoulder Stand, Plough Pose and Reclining Angle Pose in which the back is in forward bend though we bend backwards. In Fish Pose, the back is arched. The pose is called Matsyasana in Sanskrit. 'Matsya' means 'fish'. The pose gets this name as the body assumes the shape of a fish while in the pose.
In Shoulder Stand and Plough Pose the back is bent forwards; chin and chest touch each other and hence, the anterior neck muscles are contracted and posterior neck muscles are stretched. When you perform Fish Pose after performing these poses, the back is arched; anterior neck muscles are stretched and posterior neck muscles are tightened. Hence, performing Fish Pose after Shoulder Stand and Plough Pose helps to relieve tightness in the neck and back that may be caused while performing these poses.
Fish Pose stimulates anahata, visudhdhi, ajna, guru and sahasrara chakras. Hence, love and affection for fellow being develop. The pose also aids in attaining wisdom. Communication skills develop.
Other Benefits of Fish Pose
- Stretches the spine and improves spine flexibility
- Back muscles are strengthened.
- Improves lung performance
- Relieves lung conditions including asthma
- Promotes thyroid health
- Relieves neck and back pain
- Stretches the shoulders
- Promotes functions of abdominal organs
- It is an effective yoga pose for constipation.
- Helps to cure infertility
Instructions
- Lie down on your back with your legs stretched. Alternately, you can cross your legs as in Lotus Pose.
- With the hands firmly on the ground, raise your chest upwards. You can also place your palms under your buttock for support to lift your chest. If you perform the pose with legs crossed, you can place your palms on your thighs.
- Tilt your head downwards and place the crown on the floor.
- Relax your shoulders.
- Hold the pose for two to three minutes.
- Release the pose by placing your head on the floor, lower your chest and stretch your legs. Follow Fish Pose with Rest Pose.
Note
In case of difficulty in raising the chest upwards, you can place a yoga block or pillow under your back.
Those with severe neck and spine conditions should perform the pose only with the support of yoga block or pillow.
Yoga Pose for Day 95 - Legs Up the Wall Pose (Viparitakarani)
Legs Up the Wall Pose provides some of the best benefits of Headstand, the King of all Yoga poses and Shoulder Stand, famously called the Queen of yoga poses. Unlike seen in the image, the pose can be performed quite easily using support which is described in the Note section below.
Yoga Pose for Day 93 - Lotus in Plough Pose
Today's yoga pose involves performing Lotus Pose in Plough Pose. You are well aware of both the poses. The pose is called Padma Halasana in Sanskrit. It is also called as Padma Pindasana meaning Lotus Embryo Pose, though there is slight variation to Lotus in Plough Pose.
Yoga Pose for Day 92 - Reclining Angle Pose (Supta Konasana)
We have, earlier, covered the benefits and how-to-do of Bound Angle Pose and Upward Seated Angle Pose. Today will be about Reclining Angle Pose. The pose is called Supta Konasana in Sanskrit.