Matsyasana - Fish Pose

                                       Matsyasana 

The yoga tradition is one that brings the practitioner close to nature.

The story of the fish pose tells us, the very first yogi was Shiva. Shiva is said to be the originator of the yoga tradition . Matsya over heard Shiva talk about the nature of life and the universe to Parvati and the words sounded important. He was enlightened by the words and became the first student of  yoga. It is important to have an inspiring relationship with a teacher, the listening and the connection from within, therefore a student can follow the footsteps of  Matsya.

Matsyasana opens our heart and most of us struggle to open ourselves to the outside world. This is why back bends can be challenging. We learn to fully open to the outside world and to be in the moment. When fear grips us, we want to contract and turn ourselves inwards.

Benefits:

• Strengthens the back
• Opens the heart
• Stretches the abdomen and the intercostal muscles in the ribs. Increasing lung capacity 
• Stimulates the thyroid

Contraindications: Always be mindful there are modifications 

• Neck injury
• Low-back injury
• Headache