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