Yoga BLOG
Paripurna Matsyendrasana: the Lord of the Fishes
by Nick
on Mar 10 2017
Paripurna Matsyendrasana: the Lord of the Fishes You're familiar with the twist pose from yoga, or perhaps from the relaxation and stretching phase after a sports class. In Ardha Matsyendrasana, you place one bent leg over the other, grasp the knee with your forearm and elbow, and twist your torso over the upper leg. In fact, this well-known pose, which increases spinal flexibility, massages the abdominal organs, and has a positive effect on the nervous system during stress, is essentially just half the twist pose or half the Lord of the Fishes pose. The full, somewhat more difficult version of this pleasant spinal twist is Paripurna Matsyendrasana. A great master as a role model This asana also has a sonorous name derived from Sanskrit. "Matsya" means "fish," "Indra" means something like "king of the gods," and "asana" is the term for "posture" or "stance" in yoga. "Paripurna" translates as "complete" or "perfect," especially when used to describe a person. The Lord of the Fishes (in English, this pose is known as the "Lord of the Fishes") is closely linked to a mythical figure. He is considered a master who, according to legend, founded Hatha Yoga together with Shiva, and gave this graceful asana its name. The difference to the half swivel seat Unlike Ardha Matsyendrasana, the lower leg in the twist pose in Paripurna Matsyendrasana is not stretched out on the floor. It is bent, and the foot rests on your thigh, as in the classic lotus pose . Your forearm, which in the half twist still clasped your upright knee in a bent position, is extended. With your upper arm, you gently press against the knee from the inside. Your hand rests on the outside of your foot. Half variation of the exercise Paripurna Matsyendrasana Most yogis can't do Paripurna Matsyendrasana right away. However, a good place to start is with the half twist pose, where you can already feel the beneficial effects of the twist. Simply practice placing your feet on your thighs separately while assuming lotus position. You can gradually increase the twist of your spine a little more intensified in the half twist pose, but only as far as you feel comfortable. Beneficial effects for body, mind and soul Paripurna Matsyendrasana stretches and twists the spine in a single pose. You'll feel this mobilization as a beneficial effect, as will the lifting and stretching of your ribcage. The expansion of the torso has two additional beneficial effects. Firstly, you stretch and strengthen the muscles of your abdomen and back (depending on which side you perform this twist). Secondly, you massage and revitalize several internal organs, especially your kidneys, liver, and digestive system. In this way, the full twist pose (as well as the half twist pose) can also contribute to detoxifying your body. Of course, with the paired organ and muscle systems, it's important that you perform Paripurna Matsyendrasana in both directions. With regard to mind and soul, Paripurna Matsyendrasana has a balancing and harmonizing effect. The Lord of Pisces pose therefore contributes not only to your external posture but also to your inner balance. The twist pose is a good exercise for balancing stress or restlessness, as you should ensure a calm flow of your breathing. Caution during pregnancy or certain illnesses
You should avoid the full twist pose, especially in the advanced stages of pregnancy. At the beginning of your pregnancy, you can still sit up and relax in the half twist pose. Caution is advised if you have any back problems or discomfort, especially problems with the intervertebral discs or spinal nerves. Twisting movements like Paripurna Matsyendrasana can also be counterproductive in these cases. In such cases, it's best to consult your family doctor or perhaps even your treating orthopedic surgeon! Image © byheaven / 123rf.com