Matsya Kridasana widely famous as the Flapping Fish Pose serves as an excellent relaxation pose. The name Matsya Kridasana’s is derived from three Sanskrit words, Matsya+Krida+Asana, where Matsya stands for Fish, Krida stands for Play or Flap and Asana stands for Posture. The final position of this pose resembles a playing fish flapping its tail and fins in the water. Matsya Kridasana is also known as Savasana (Corpse Pose) in the lateral position as it is helpful in preparing one’s body for performing Savasana. It is quite beneficial for pregnant women as it gives them mental as well as physical relief during the third trimester. Apart from this, there are several other benefits of Matsya Kridasana, but first, let’s begin by knowing the steps to practice Matsya Kridasana.
Steps to practice Matsya Kridasana (Flapping Fish Pose)
Starting Position: Makarasana (Crocodile Pose)
- Relax the body in Crocodile Pose.
- Interlock the fingers of both hands and place beneath the head with palms facing downwards or place the right palm beneath left palm (choose as per your comfort).
- Bend the left leg sideways, bringing the left knee near the ribs. Keep the right leg fully straight.
- Turn both the arms to the left side. Rest the left elbow close to the left knee.
- Rest and support the right part of the head on the curve of the right arm or a bit down the arm (choose as per your comfort).
- Close the eyes and relax peacefully taking slow, deep and long breaths. Change the side after a minute or two.
- Put at rest any ongoing thought and avoid thinking completely. Feel each and every breath coming in and going out of the body. Relax the whole body.
- To return, straighten the leg first and relax the body in Crocodile Pose.
Practice this asana on both the sides and for the duration as long as one finds it comfortable. In order to make this pose more comfortable, a pillow may be used to support the head and the bent knee. It is more beneficial if practiced with resting or sleeping.
Precautions for Matsya Kridasana (Flapping Fish Pose)
- Avoid overexertion and do not put any strain or stress on the body. Maintain full body ease while performing this asana.
- Avoid practicing this asana in case of severe neck or back pain.
- People suffering from any of these conditions should avoid practicing this asana: Back pain, spinal disorders, high blood pressure, migraine, cervical spondylitis, heart disease or knee injury.
Benefits of Matsya Kridasana (Flapping Fish Pose)
- Practicing this asana stimulates the digestive peristalsis.
- Highly beneficial in lowering the high blood pressure.
- Gives relief to the tension in the perineum.
- Relieves the pain caused by sciatica as it relaxes the nerves of the legs.
- Alternative for those who can’t practice forward bending asanas.
- Quite useful and helpful for pregnant women as it helps them in getting relaxation.
- Gives complete rest to the mind and the body after backward bending asanas.
- Improves the concentration and makes one practice meditation.
- Cools down the mind and gives relief from all kinds of stress and tension. Therefore, it is helpful for insomniacs as well.
Stay healthy stay strong and get the best out of life.
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Also read:
- Sleeping Abdominal Twist meaning, steps, precautions & benefits
- Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) steps, precautions & benefits
- Tadasana (Mountain Pose) steps, precautions & benefits
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