Matsyasana (maht-SYAH-suh-nuh) can be included in your daily yoga practice when your neck and shoulders need extra attention. When done properly you’ll strengthen these areas, improving postural imbalances at the same time. Opening the front of the body in this way counteracts our stooped approach to most daily activities. It’s a great pose to begin or end your practice. Combine it with the <a href=”http://kosmicamusic.com/wp/2008/06/20/bridge-pose-setu-bandha-sarvangasana/”>Bridge Pose</a> or add it just before closing with a Corpse Pose.

Steps

1. Lie on your back with legs straight, arms resting by your sides. Lift your hips up and slide your palms, face down, underneath your buttocks. Relax your hips so that they’re resting on the tops of your hands.
2. Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, lift your torso from the center of the sternum. Take your chest straight up toward the ceiling. Allow the head to relax back, lengthening and opening the front of the neck. Let the top of the head rest lightly on your mat, as far toward the crown of the head as is comfortable. Continue to lift the chest so as not to compress the back of the neck.
3. Keep the fronts of the thighs active. Press the backs of the knees into your mat, flex the feet and spread the toes. Squeeze your shoulder blades tightly into the rib cage and keep the elbows close to the body. Your forearms should be resting on the mat. Breath deeply for up to one minute, then relax onto your back in savasana.

By the Way…

Backbends such as matsyasana have an uplifting effect on our energy fields. Opening and baring the front of the body is an exercise that builds confidence and self-assurance, and can be quite powerful. Practice fish pose whenever you need an energetic boost to get you through a tough day.