Matsyasana (Fish Pose) & Uttana Padasana (Extended Leg / Raised Legs Pose) — Overview — for Yoga Teachers, Yoga Therapists, Health & Wellness Coaches, Holistic Healthcare Providers
About this Asana Digest
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
Asana Digests focus in on teaching specific poses. Please be aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Backbending
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 the 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)
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