HALF LORD OF THE FISHES POSE FOR OCTOBER

Posted on by Zama Yoga

HALF LORD OF THE FISHES POSE | ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA

For October we're getting twisty with Half Lord of the Fishes Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana) for our Pose of the Month. We tend to hold a lot of tension in the low back and upper spine, so this pose is such a satisfying release!

The spine should be nice and long, so if you feel that you're rolling back, prop yourself up onto an edge of a blanket or fold the mat underneath you. The elbow outside of the raised leg is a big twist and if you can't quite get your elbow outside try wrapping your arm around the knee, like you're bringing the knee into your armpit instead. If you need a little more space take an open twist by bringing the arm onto the inside of the leg. With each inhale lengthen the spine, and use the exhale to deepen the twist. Remember to always allow the twist to start from the base of the spine with your head the last thing to turn - if we turn the head first sometimes we're just over-stretching the neck and getting nothing in the spine. To deepen the pose you can wrap the arm behind the back and even try for a bind by reaching the arm through the leg. Whatever you do, you should be able to sit up tall, so imagine like there is a book on the very top of your head. 

Benefits

  • Stimulates the liver, kidneys and digestive system.
  • Stretches and strengthens the neck, shoulders and hips.
  • Energises the spine and improves its flexibility.
  • Relieves menstrual discomfort, symptoms of fatigues, back pain and sciatica.
  • According to traditional texts, this yoga pose helps in increasing appetite and killing the most deadly diseases. It also helps in the awakening of the kundalini.