Ardha matsyendrasana also known as the half lord of the fishes pose or sitting half spinal twist is another profound yoga pose that renders countless perquisites to the human anatomy. This revered yoga pose gives a deep stretch to the spine while improving agility, restoring the digestive process and rejuvenating the mind.
The ardha matsyendrasana pose is a part of the hatha yoga that focuses on preserving and channelising energies, this asana was named after sage Mastyendra. Through the twisting pose, the sitting half spinal twist pose enables the body to get rid of the toxins from the body. This practice must be done either on an empty stomach or after a minimum of four hours of gap after consuming the food to unlock the true potential of this detoxifying asana.
Ardha Matsyendrasana Benefits
Just like any other yoga exercise, the half lord of the fish’s pose advantage also goes beyond only spinal health. Here we will try to explore the ardha matsyendrasana benefits.
Spinal Elasticity and Strength
With the twisting movement of the spine, the ardha matsyendrasana pose helps build strength in the back, also contributing towards the flexibility of the complete back and shoulders. It reduces the pain, discomfort and stiffness of the back muscles, promoting better mobility.
Detoxification
The wriggling motion of this sitting half-spinal twist pose naturally increases blood flow in the abdominal organs, flushing out toxins from the body and leading to organ detoxification. This natural detoxification process boosts immunity.
Aid Digestion
The ardha matsyendrasana focuses on involving the abdominal muscles to stimulate the digestive organs, including the liver, intestines, and kidneys. This promotes digestion resulting in better bowel movement and subsidies other digestion issues.
Improves Posture
Similar to other back-involving asanas, this pose also corrects the posture by strengthening the back and the core muscles. This half lord of fish pose helps to align a natural curve of the spine repairing the damage done by hunched sitting for prolonged periods.
Promotes Mental Health
The mindful breathing with the postures of ardha matsyendrasana works as a boon for mental health. Soothing the entire nervous system with the rush of fresh oxygenated blood, this pose tends to alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression. With regular practice, this yoga asana helps to keep your mind relaxed and rejuvenated throughout the day by enhancing sleep.
Enhances the Concentration
The focused breathing technique of this pose helps increase concentration, gradually building a stronger mental focus when practised regularly. Additionally, this pose helps to balance emotions with better mental clarity, calmness, and stability.
Reduces Menstrual Syndrome
Women suffering from menstrual issues like pain, discomfort or mood swings should practice this posture for an easy and painless period. The mild compression of the organs helps to reduce the cramps and uneasiness.
Enhances Breathing
With the neck and shoulders, this ardha matsyendrasana also works on the chest region, helping it open up more by increasing the practitioner’s breathing ability, which effectively raises the oxygen supply in the lungs.
How to do Ardha Matsyendrasana
After learning about the various benefits, you might be eager to know how to do ardha matsyendrasana for a healthy and refreshing life. So, let’s dive into the steps to get the maximum benefits.
1. Sit on the floor with your legs extended forward, shoulders relaxed, and spine long.
2. Bend your right knee so that your right foot crosses over your left hip. You can also fold your left leg, placing your left leg heel beside your right hip, or you can keep your left leg straight.
3. Inhale as you turn your upper body to the right side and gently press your left elbow against your right knee, deepening your twist.
4. Place your right hand on the floor behind you. If you lack flexibility, you can simply rest it on your right hip.
5. Gently turn your head towards your right side, trying to look over your right shoulder.
6. You can hold this pose for 20-30 seconds while breathing in and out deeply and steadily.
7. Now gently unwind your upper body and come to the starting position.
8. You can repeat the same posture on the other side. With your leg folded over your right thigh and your torso twisting to the left side.
So this was the ardha matsyendrasana procedure that provides a strong, sturdy and flexible back, along with many other benefits.
Ardha Matsyendrasana Contraindications
Though exercise is beneficial to health, still there are certain conditions that one has to take care of or should modify and practice. So let’s see what are the ardha matsyendrasana contraindications.
Chronic Pain or Injury
People with severe back pain or injuries in the back or suffering from spinal disc problems or diseases like hernia or ulcer should altogether avoid this pose as there are chances that it can worsen the trouble.
Surgery
If you have undergone surgery recently, you should avoid working out the ardha matsyendrasana as the twists and turns in this pose can be dangerous, putting undue stress on the healing tissues.
Pregnancy
This asana is also not advised for women, particularly in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters, as the wriggle involved in this posture compresses the stomach specifically, as it can restrict the blood flow to the uterus, potentially harmful and unsafe for the baby.
Hypertension
Those with high blood pressure should also take caution while practising this pose as the wriggling of the muscles can tend to increase the blood pressure.
Modification
The Seated Twist (ardha matsyendrasana) can be modified considering your body’s flexibility and conditions. Let’s check out the modifications which can make the asana easier for beginners or those with limitations.
Using Props
You can use props like a cushion or a folded blanket under your seat for an effortless twist and maintain the correct position. You can also consider using a yoga block for your hands for additional support while you place them behind on the floor.
Seating Modifications
If you feel uncomfortable extending your legs, you can sit cross-legged in sukhasana. If you are not able to sit down, you can practise the pose sitting on a chair. These modifications will provide enough benefits, though with less intensity.
Leg Positions Modification
You can try placing your foot inside your thigh instead of placing it outside. And if you find difficulty in bending your knees then you can simply keep your legs extended in front and perform the twists.
Hands Placement
In case you find it difficult to place your hands on the floor at the back, you can consider keeping your hands on your thighs or hips instead.
Back Support
If you find it challenging to keep your spine straight then you can take the help of a bolster or cushion to extend support to your back. This will help you reap the benefits of your comfort.
Advance Ardha Matsyendrasana
The advanced ardha matsyendrasana includes the deepening of the spinal twists, which requires a higher level of flexibility, balance, and strength and is not advised for a beginner to perform. It is known as purna matsyendrasana full lord of the fishes pose, or full spinal twist pose. Let’s check the steps.
1. First, sit on the floor with your legs straight in front of you and your spine straight.
2. Bend your right knee closer to your chest and place your right foot in front of your left thigh, close to your hip.
3. Also, fold your left leg, drawing it closer to your right hip.
4. Inhale and place your left elbow outside your right knee.
5. Exhale as you twist your body towards the right, extending your right hand behind you.
6. To complete this pose, try reaching your right arm behind your back and grasping your left shin.
7. Inhale and turn your face in the right direction, establishing a gaze in the same direction.
8. Hold on for 20-30 seconds, focusing on the deep breath.
9. You can come back to the normal position and start with the other side.
This is an intense and powerful version of the ardha matsyendrasana that offers more enhanced benefits, including spine flexibility, detoxification and core strength. But make sure to practise with proper guidance and modification for effective end results.
Conclusion
The ardha matsyendrasana or the sitting half spinal twist pose, is one of the valuable asanas that demands little effort but has plenty of benefits. Integrating this pose into your regime can be a life-transforming decision with multifold perks including relieving back pain and posture correction by strengthening the muscles, increasing the digestion process helping to detox, also enhancing breathing which results in calming the nervous system, increasing focus, and promoting mental health. And for someone who has any kind of limitations, can still perform the ardha matsyendrasana with the help of props and modifying according to their body flexibility and comfort.
Hence, this asana is the complete package of effortless yet rewarding poses that can bestow you with good mental and physical health through customary practice.
