Fish pose (Matsyamudra)

Matsyamudra or the Fish pose is one of the most popular yoga asanas. It comes from two Sanskrit words 'Matsya' which means fish, and mudra which is a gesture of the hand. This asana helps remove any iron, iodine and calcium deficiencies. It also helps relax the muscles, and increases memory and brain power, as well as helps give a youthful vigor.

This asana should always be practiced as a complement to the Shoulderstand, preferably for 1 minute or half the time spent on the Shoulderstand.

How to Execute Matsyamudra:

1. Lie down in Padmasana.
2. Let the crown of the head touch the floor gently.
3. Catch both big toes with both hands.
4. Hold this position for at least 1 minute, or half the duration length of the shoulderstand.

Practice: Fish pose (Matsyamudra) 3 rounds x 1-2.5 minutes. The maximum time for practice is 2.5 minutes.

This a’sana should always be practiced as a complement to the Shoulderstand (#I), preferably for one minute (Fish should be held for half as long as the Shoulderstand). Rest 10 seconds. The eyes should be viewing the tip of the nose, and the elbows should be resting on the ground.