Stretches Shoulder, Hip, Neck | Pose type Seated, Hip opener, Twist | |
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Note Consult a doctor before beginning an exercise regime Preparatory poses Baddha Koṇāsana, Janusirsasana, Virasana, Bharadvaja's Twist, Supta Padangusthasana Follow-up poses Paschimottanasana, Janusirsasana Also known as Half lord of the fishes pose, Half spinal twist pose Similar Dhanurasana, Paschimottanasana, Bhujangasana, Baddha Koṇāsana, Salabhasana | ||
Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sanskrit: अर्धमत्स्येन्द्रासन; IAST: Ardha Matsyendrāsana), Half Lord of the Fishes Pose, Half Spinal Twist Pose or Vakrasana is an asana. The asana usually appears as a seated spinal twist with many variations, and is one of the twelve basic asanas in many systems of Hatha Yoga.
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Etymology
The asana is named after the great yogi Matsyendranath.
The name comes from the Sanskrit words ardha meaning "half", matsya meaning "fish", eendra meaning "king", and asana (आसन ) meaning "posture" or "seat".
The name Vakrasana comes from the Sanskrit word→ "Vakra" ('twisted').
Description
One foot is placed flat on the floor outside the opposite leg and torso twists toward the top leg. The bottom leg may be bent with the foot outside the opposite hip, or extended with toes vertical. The arms help leverage the torso into the twist and may be bound (Baddha Ardha Matsyendrasana) in a number of configurations by clutching either feet or opposite hands.
Ardha Matsyendrasana I
From seated Ardha Padmasana (Half Lotus Pose), the bottom legs extends along the ground, one arm reaches behind the back to grab hold of the foot or shin of the Padmasana leg while the other hand holds the extended leg.
Ardha Matsyendrasana III
From Ardha Matsyendrasana I, the bottom leg moves into Padmasana (Lotus Position) and arms bind by grabbing either foot.
Benefits
Ardha Matsyendrāsana allows the spine to be twisted all the way from the base of the spine to the very top. This asana tones the spinal nerves and ligaments, and improves digestion.and also improve liver and pancreas health