Sunday, June 4, 2017

Combat Hunching with Fish Pose (Matsyasana)


Spending lots of time hunched over a computer, cell phone or other work? Fish Pose is the antidote. Matsyasana can easily be practiced as an active chest and heart opener. It doesn’t require a lot of flexibility or warm up. If you incorporate yoga blocks or pillow props, it becomes a deeply restorative pose to counter fatigue.


To practice Fish Pose, lie on your back with your feet together. Tuck your hands under your seat. Press down into your elbows to lift your heart. Arch your upper spine like a hook is pulling up your chest. Rest the top of your head on the floor if it’s available. Breathe deeply and stretch open your lungs.

To practice the restorative version, place a yoga block on the middle or lowest setting between your shoulder blades. Place a second block on the middle or highest setting under the base of your skull.  Lie with your palms up. Place the soles of your feet together to simultaneously relax your hips. If you don’t have yoga blocks, try pillows and blankets to support the same shape. Get comfortable, close your eyes and breathe deeply as you recite your favorite affirmations.

Coloring page from Yoga Teddy Bear’s Big Little Coloring Book of 108 Yoga Poses colored by Miss Michele Palumbo, Bay Shore, NY. Enter our coloring contest today to win prizes! Picture of K. Mae Copham in Vail, CO by Robert Oakley.

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