Matsyasana
Encyclopedia
Matsyasana or Fish Pose is an asana
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It is commonly considered a counter-pose to Sarvangasana
, or shoulder stand, specifically within the context of the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Primary Series.
) chakra
by rising up on the elbows and drawing the shoulders back. The neck is lengthened, and the crown of the head Sahasrara
chakra
is "pointed" toward the wall behind the practitioner. As the arch of the back deepens with practice, and the heart and throat open further, the top of the head may brush the ground, but no weight should rest upon it.
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Asana
Asana is a body position, typically associated with the practice of Yoga, originally identified as a mastery of sitting still, with the spine as a conduit of biodynamic union...
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It is commonly considered a counter-pose to Sarvangasana
Sarvangasana
Sarvangasana or Shoulderstand is an āsana.Many variations of the Shoulderstand exist, the likely most common to be taught is Supported Shoulderstand .Sarvangāsana is nicknamed "queen" or "mother" of all the yoga poses....
, or shoulder stand, specifically within the context of the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga is a system of yoga popularized by K. Pattabhi Jois, and which is often promoted as a modern-day form of classical Indian yoga...
Primary Series.
Etymology
The name comes from the Sanskrit words matsya (मत्स्य) meaning "fish" and asana (आसन) meaning "posture" or "seat".Description
The posture itself is in the category of backbends, where the practitioner lies on his or her back and lifts the heart (anahataAnahata
Anahata is the fourth primary chakra according to the Hindu Yogic and Tantric traditions.In Sanskrit the word anahata - means unhurt, un-struck and unbeaten...
) chakra
Chakra
Chakra is a concept originating in Hindu texts, featured in tantric and yogic traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its name derives from the Sanskrit word for "wheel" or "turning" .Chakra is a concept referring to wheel-like vortices...
by rising up on the elbows and drawing the shoulders back. The neck is lengthened, and the crown of the head Sahasrara
Sahasrara
Sahasrara/ Sahastrara is the seventh primary chakra according to Hindu tradition.-Location:Sahasrara is either located at the top of the head in that one area, or a little way above it .-Appearance:Sahasrara is described with 1,000 multi-coloured petals which are arranged in 20 layers each of them...
chakra
Chakra
Chakra is a concept originating in Hindu texts, featured in tantric and yogic traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its name derives from the Sanskrit word for "wheel" or "turning" .Chakra is a concept referring to wheel-like vortices...
is "pointed" toward the wall behind the practitioner. As the arch of the back deepens with practice, and the heart and throat open further, the top of the head may brush the ground, but no weight should rest upon it.
Variations
The legs can be lifted about 6 inches off the ground with toes pointed. The hands may also be placed before the heart in Añjali MudrāAñjali Mudrā
Añjali Mudrā or Pranamasana is a hand gesture which is practiced throughout Asia. It is used as a sign of respect and a greeting in India and amongst yoga practitioners and adherents of similar traditions...
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