Matsyasana (Fish Pose) & Uttana Padasana (Extended Leg / Raised Legs Pose) – Overview
Asana Digest Overview
Poses
Matsyasana (Fish Pose), and related poses such as Uttana Padasana (Extended Legs / Raised Legs)
Objective
Become knowledgeable about the pose and review detailed teaching considerations.
Description
Explain the Sanskrit naming; contraindications and cautions; associated benefits and typical effects; instructions and cues for setting up and practicing the pose; variations to meet particular intentions and needs; associated mythology, and more teaching considerations.
Prerequisite Knowledge
The focus of Asana Digests is teaching specific poses. This support presumes you’re aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Backbending
Poses Overview
Matsyasana
mot-see-AHS-anna
“matsya” = fish
Fish Pose
Matsya is also the name of a mythological incarnation of Vishnu
Uttana Padasana
uttana = intense stretch
pada = leg or foot
Extended Leg Pose or Raised Legs Pose
Heart of Pose
Backbend
Notes
- Matsyasana is a counterpose for Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand), Halasana (Plow Pose) and other poses where chin has been to chest and Jalandhara Bandha engaged.
- Not recommended for vata imbalance. (Joseph LePage)
- “This posture is dedicated to Matsya the Fish Incarnation of Visnu, the source and maintainer of the universe and of all things.” (B.K.S. Iyengar)
Much More in this Digest
Asana Digests are precisely organized so that you can quickly get what you need. Please select from the menu above and be sure to review any contraindications and cautions.
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