Matsyasana - The Fish Pose

In Sanskrit "Matsya" means 'fish'. If you attain this posture in water, you will be able to float just like a fish with out any support of your hands or legs.

Sequence:

1. Sit in Padmasana and make the feet lock properly.
2. Your knees should be touching the ground.
3. Lean back slowly, taking the support of your elbows.
4. Lie flat on your back.
5. Bring back both your hands and place them near the head with palms resting on the floor.
6. Place the palms under the corresponding shoulders.
7. Taking the support of your palms and knees, push your chest and abdomen up.
8. Raise your hips, back and shoulders from the ground.
9. Arch your spine and now bend your head and neck backward to the maximum limit.
10. Try to place the crown of your head perpendicular to the floor.
11. Remove the support of your hands.
12. Bring the hands forward to hold the upper thighs.
13. Increase the arch of your body with the help of your elbow for support.
14. Extending your hands further now grasp the big toe of the opposite legs and form a lock with the thumb, index and middle finger.
15. Remain in this posture for 10 seconds.
16. Take deep breaths rhythmically.
17. Release your toes and slowly return to Padmasana posture.

Benefits:

• The spinal column gets toned.
• It increases your lung capacity.
• It helps in correcting any abnormal curvature of your spine.
• Flexibility of dorsal and cervical regions increases with regular practice.