Fish Pose

INTRODUCTION:

Fish pose, also known as Matsyasana, is a popular yoga posture that has been practiced for thousands of years. In Sanskrit, Matsya means fish, and Asana means posture or pose. The Fish pose is a heart-opening posture that helps in stimulating the heart and throat chakras. This pose is considered a counter pose to the Shoulder stand posture and is usually practiced after the Shoulder stand.

The Fish pose has many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. It helps in improving the posture, strengthens the back muscles, and improves respiratory function. The Fish pose also helps in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. However, as with any yoga posture, there are some contraindications and preparatory poses that need to be taken into consideration before attempting the Fish pose. In this essay, we will explore the history, benefits, contraindications, preparatory poses, and how to do the Fish pose safely and avoid injury.

SANSKRIT AND HISTORY:

The Fish pose, Matsyasana, is derived from the Sanskrit word "Matsya," which means fish, and "Asana," which means posture. The pose is called Matsyasana because the final posture resembles a fish floating in water. In ancient Hindu mythology, there is a story about the origin of this posture. According to the story, Lord Vishnu, one of the Hindu deities, took the form of a fish to save the world from a great flood. He placed a giant fish on his back, which symbolizes the Fish pose.

The Fish pose is also mentioned in one of the ancient yoga texts, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. The text describes the Fish pose as a posture that helps in curing diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders. The Fish pose is also mentioned in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as one of the seated postures.

BENEFITS OF FISH POSE:

The Fish pose has many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Some of the benefits are as follows:

• Stimulates the Heart and Throat Chakras: The Fish pose helps in stimulating the heart and throat chakras, which are located in the center of the chest and throat, respectively. These chakras are responsible for the energy flow in the body and are associated with love, compassion, communication, and self-expression.

• Improves Posture: The Fish pose helps in improving posture by stretching the chest and shoulders. This helps in reversing the effects of sitting for long hours, which can lead to a rounded back and shoulders.

• Strengthens the Back Muscles: The Fish pose helps in strengthening the muscles of the back, including the upper back, middle back, and lower back. This helps in reducing the risk of back pain and injury.

• Improves Respiratory Function: The Fish pose helps in improving respiratory function by expanding the chest and lungs. This helps in increasing the oxygen intake and improving the overall lung capacity.

• Reduces Stress and Anxiety: The Fish pose helps in reducing stress and anxiety by calming the mind and body. This helps in reducing the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and promoting relaxation.

• Improves Digestion: The Fish pose helps in improving digestion by stimulating the abdominal organs, including the liver and pancreas. This helps in promoting better digestion and reducing digestive issues such as constipation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

While the Fish pose has many benefits, it is important to take into consideration some contraindications before attempting the pose. Some of the contraindications are as follows:

• Neck Injuries: People with neck injuries should avoid the Fish pose as it involves lifting the head off the ground. This can cause further strain on the neck muscles and exacerbate the injury.

• Low Blood Pressure: The Fish pose can cause a drop in blood pressure, so people with low blood pressure should avoid the pose or practice it under the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher.

• Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid the Fish pose as it involves lying on the back and bending backwards. This can put pressure on the abdomen and uterus, which can be harmful to the developing fetus.

• Migraines and Headaches: People with migraines and headaches should avoid the Fish pose as it can exacerbate the symptoms.

• Asthma and Respiratory Disorders: People with asthma and other respiratory disorders should avoid the Fish pose as it involves deep breathing, which can trigger an asthma attack or exacerbate respiratory symptoms.

PREPARATORY POSES:

Before attempting the Fish pose, it is important to practice some preparatory poses to warm up the body and stretch the muscles. Some of the preparatory poses for Fish pose are as follows:

Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana): 

Bridge pose helps in stretching the chest and shoulders, which is essential for the Fish pose.

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): 

Cobra pose helps in strengthening the back muscles and improving posture, which is beneficial for the Fish pose.

Bow Pose (Dhanurasana): 

Bow pose helps in stretching the front of the body, including the chest and abdomen, which is essential for the Fish pose.

HOW TO DO THE FISH POSE SAFELY AND AVOID INJURY:

(To practice the Fish pose safely and avoid injury, please follow the steps in the video below)

(You can also rest in Corpse pose (Shavasana) for a few breaths before moving on to the next pose).

TIPS FOR PRACTICING FISH POSE SAFELY:

• Avoid overextending your neck: To avoid strain on the neck muscles, keep the top of your head on the ground and avoid lifting your chin towards the ceiling.

• Keep your legs engaged: To avoid strain on the lower back muscles, engage your thigh muscles and keep your legs straight.

• Use props if needed: If you have difficulty reaching the ground with your head, use a folded blanket or yoga block under your head to support your neck.

• Practice under the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher: If you are new to yoga or have any health conditions, practice under the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher.

CONCLUSION:

The Fish pose, Matsyasana, is a powerful yoga posture that has many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. The pose helps in stimulating the heart and throat chakras, improving posture, strengthening the back muscles, improving respiratory function, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving digestion. However, it is important to take into consideration some contraindications before attempting the pose and practice some preparatory poses to warm up the body and stretch the muscles. By following these guidelines and practicing Fish pose safely, you can enjoy the benefits of this beautiful and powerful posture.