Matsyasana (fish pose)

Hi yogis and yoginis,

This week we're doing another one of the "mother asanas" of Hatha yoga: matsysana or fish pose. I've included a video and two photographs. Apologies in advance for the background, but I had no time to cover everything up as I usually do and though that a video with a messy background would be better than no video at all, so here it is...

There are more advanced version of this pose, so if you like it, I'll post those in the coming weeks.

BENEFITS: stretches the neck, chest and shoulders. Strengthens the arms. Opens the chest and improves lung capacity (fantastic for asthmatics!), helps alleviate period pains, improves the digestive system and if practised regularly it helps reduce stress and anxiety.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: any sort of neck problem, high blood pressure, any injuries to the elbows or forearms.

As usual, listen to your body. If you feel any pain, don't do the pose and send me a message.

NAMASTE

Now, if I've done this properly, you should have the video above this text and the two photographs below.