March’s Yoga pose is Ardha Matseyendrasana (Fish Pose) – Twists are good for detoxing!
This is the milder version of the Full twist known as Paripurna Matseyendrasana.
According to Hindu Legend Shiva was on an island explaining Yoga and its mysteries to Parvati, nearby in the sea a fish listened attentively and remained totally motionless, Shiva realised this fish had learned yoga so blessed him as Matseyendrasana Lord of the Fishes, the fish then took on a divine form came to land and assumed a seated spinal posture so as to totally absorb the teachings.
This posture is one of the few to be described in the 14th Century manual on yoga the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. It is said to fan the gastric fire (agni) cure all diseases and awaken Kundalini shakti, the evolutionary energy coiled at the base of the spine.
Start with your legs straight out in front of you,
Bend the right leg and cross it over the left, bringing the right foot to the floor. Bend the left leg and place the foot close to your right thigh, keeping the knee on the floor.
On an inhale lengthen the spine, pulling in the abdominals,
On an exhale rotate the body around to the right and bring the right arm directly behind you, use this to help keep the spine long and straight.
Bring the left elbow to the outer side of the right knee.
Keep the shoulders down.
Inhaling to lengthen the spine exhale to deepen the twist.
TIP – Imagine your spine is a spiral staircase and you are creating space between each and every step.
All twists have what Iyengar described as a squeeze and soak action, they squeeze the internal organs and then flood them with a fresh blood supply, allowing for greater function.
Benefits:
- Opens the rib cage & chest
- Enhances digestion & elimination
- Stimulate the liver and the kidneys
- Energises the spine, strengthens the shoulders, hips, back & neck
Contraindications / Precautions:
- Any spinal injury
- Back pain
- Pregnancy – only do gentle open twists (turning away from leg not towards it).