#Ardha Matsyendrasana, #Half #Lord of the Fishes Pose, Half Spinal Twist Pose or Vakrasana is an asana. Sanskrit: अर्धमत्स्येन्द्रासन; Ardha – Half, Matsyendra – King of the fish, Asana – Pose; Pronounced As: ARE-dah MAT-see-en-DRAHS-anna
This #asana is named after the yogi Matsyendranath. The name is taken from the Sanskrit words ‘ardha’, which means half, ‘matsya’, which means fish, ‘Indra’, which stands for a king, and asana, which means posture. This asana is also called Vakrasana. ‘Vakra’ means twisted in Sanskrit. Some other names for this asana include the Half Lord of the Fishes Pose and the Half Spinal Twist. It is a seated spinal twist and has a whole lot of variations.
How To Do Ardha Matsyendrasana:!!
# Sit erect with your legs #stretched out. Make sure that your feet are placed together and your spine is absolutely erect.
# Now, bend your left leg such that the heel of the left foot lies next to the right hip. You could also keep the left leg stretched out if you like.
# Then, #place the right leg next to the left knee by taking it over the knee.
# Twist your waist, neck, and shoulders towards the right, and set your gaze over your right shoulder. Make sure your spine is erect.
# There are many ways you can place your arms to increase and decrease the stretch. But to do it simply, you can place the right hand behind you, and the left hand on the right knee.
# Hold the pose for a few seconds, about 30 to 60 as you breathe slowly, yet deeply.
Exhale and release the right hand, and then the waist, chest, and finally the neck. Relax as you sit straight.
# Repeat the steps on the other side, and then exhale and come back to the front.
Benefits Of The Half Spinal Twist:
These are some amazing benefits of the Ardha Matsyendrasana.
# This asana makes the spine more flexible. It tones the spinal nerves and improves the way the spinal cord functions.
# This asana helps to stretch the muscles on one side of the body while compressing the muscles on the other side.
# This asana helps relieve stiffness and back pain from between the vertebrae.
# This asana helps to cure a slipped disc.
Getting into a twist massages the abdominal organs, therefore increasing the digestive juices and increasing the functioning of the digestive system.
# This asana helps to massage and stimulate the pancreas, and thus, helps those suffering from diabetes.
# This asana helps to regulate the secretion of both adrenalin and bile.
# The asana helps to relieve stress and tension that is trapped in the back.
# It also helps to open up the chest and increase the supply of oxygen to the lungs.
# It helps to loosen the joints at the hip and also releases stiffness.
# It increases the circulation of blood, purifies the blood, and detoxifies the internal organs.
# This asana increases the circulation of blood to the pelvic area, thus providing nutrients, blood, and oxygen, and improving the health of the reproductive system as well as the urinary system.
# This asana also helps to cure urinary tract infections.
# This asana is also beneficial for menstrual disorders.
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