Yogidex

Teacher Training Companion

HomePosesPhilosophyAnatomyPracticeGlossary
HomePosesPhilosophyAnatomyPracticeGlossary
All Poses

Matsyasana

Fish Pose

Fish Pose
intermediateSupine/Backbend

Muscle Groups

Spinal extensorsChestNeck extensorsHip flexors

A supine backbend where the chest lifts and the crown of the head rests on the floor, opening the throat and chest.

Alignment Cues

  • 1.Lie supine with legs extended or in lotus
  • 2.Slide hands under the glutes, palms down
  • 3.Press into the forearms to lift the chest
  • 4.Arch the back and let the crown of the head rest lightly on the floor
  • 5.Keep most of the weight on the forearms, not the head

Benefits

  • +Opens the chest and throat
  • +Stretches the hip flexors and intercostals
  • +Strengthens the upper back
  • +Stimulates the thyroid

Muscle Groups

Spinal extensorsChestNeck extensorsHip flexors

Contraindications

  • High or low blood pressure
  • Migraine
  • Insomnia
  • Serious neck injury