Ardha Matsyendrasana: Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
ADJUSTMENTS | BENEFITS | SEQUENCING | SANSKRIT | STEPS
Ardha matsyendrasana (ARE-dah MOT-see-en-DRAHS-ah-nah) is an approachable twist that opens the shoulders and chest. A good antidote for too much sitting and symptoms that come with overusing technology, half lord of the fishes pose has the ability to increase energy in the body while also stoking the digestive fire in your belly.
Philosophy + Origin
Matsyendra is often recognized as one of the original founders of hatha yoga in yogic mythology. He was said to be a baby who was thrown into the ocean after his parents rejected him. The story of Matsyendra reminds us that it’s often the parts of our personal stories we don’t like or don’t want to accept that can be the most beneficial, especially on the path to becoming a yogi or yogini. Rather than conceptualizing the twist to be a purge of what is unwanted or unnecessary, think of the detoxification as a purification, an opportunity to take what was once viewed or understood as “bad” and transform it into something that is helpful on your personal journey.
ADJUSTMENTS/MODIFICATIONS:
- Place a folded blanket under your hips to create space to lengthen the spine.
- Option to extend the bottom leg forward rather than bending. This is a great variation for tender knees.
- Option to hug the bent knee rather than bringing the upper outer arm outside the opposite thigh.
- Option to bind the arms by clasping the hands behind your back.
STEP-BY-STEP:
- Begin seated on your mat with both legs extended out in front of you (dandasana). Bend your right knee and step your foot to the outside of your left leg. Stay here, or bend your left knee so your left foot is next to your opposite hip.
- Place your right hand to the ground (or a block) behind your hips. Inhale to lift your left arm high, exhale to twist to the right and hook your left elbow outside your right thigh.
- Root down through your sitting bones and lift through the crown of your head. On every exhale, invite a gentle twist to the right.
- Option to take your gaze over your right shoulder.
- Hold for 5 breaths then release back to center. Pause in a seated shape for a few breaths, then repeat on the other side.
PREPARATORY POSES:
- Two knee spinal twist | Jathara parivartanasana
- Revolved childs pose | Parsva balasana
- Head to knee pose | Janu sirsasana
SEQUENTIAL POSES:
- Baby grasshopper pose
- Cow face pose | Gomukhasana
COUNTER POSES:
- Seated forward fold | Paschimottanasana
- Bound angle pose | Baddha konasana
SANSKRIT:
- Ardha = Half
- Matsya = Fish
- Indra = Ruler
- Asana = Pose
PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
- Increases flexibility and range of motion in the spine.
- Opens chest and shoulders.
- Can relieve tension in thoracic (mid) spine.
- Stimulates agni, the digestive fire in the body.
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About the Author
Hanumanasana: Front Splits Pose
ADJUSTMENTS | BENEFITS | SEQUENCING | SANSKRIT | STEPS
Hanumanasana (hah-new-mahn-AHS-ah-nah) honors the great leap made by Hanuman, the famous monkey god from the Ramayana, across the ocean from India to the mountains of Sri Lanka. Front splits pose demands flexibility, strength, and stability.
Philosophy + Origin
More than just an incredible leap, Hanuman is remembered, celebrated, and worshiped because of his great devotion and courage. To be devoted, one must be bold enough to stand firmly in their beliefs, selflessly serving others and putting others’ needs above their own.
Because of its physical demands, it’s easy to get caught up in “achieving” the outward appearance of the posture. As such, it’s important to keep your ego in check as you dedicate yourself to the posture. Above all, invite kindness and selflessness to flow freely from the posture. As you practice, ask yourself how you can embody Hanuman’s devotion both in your physical yoga practice and your everyday life.
