Ardha Matsyendrasana

Sanskrit:

Ardha - Half
Matsyendra - Lord of the Fishes

Matsyendra is referenced as one of the founders of Hatha Yoga. In a story it is said that while visiting an island Shiva was explaining Yoga to his consort Parvati. He noticed a fish near the shore was listening to everything that was said with intense concentration and stillness. Shiva realized that the fish had learned Yoga, sprinkled some water upon it so that the fish attained a divine form, and thus became Matsyendra, the Lord of the Fishes.

Half Lord of the Fishes Pose

Benefits:

• Increases circulation around the abdominal organs.
• Improves the flexibility and strength of the spine, shoulders and neck.
• May help to relieve stiffness and pain in the back and hips, including sciatic pain.
• May help relieve menstrual cramps.
• Regular practice may keep prostate and/or bladder from growing enlarged.
  

Contraindications:

• People with back injuries should be careful with this pose, may want advice of physician.
  
• Pregnant women may not be able to practice the pose after the second or third month.
  
• Full pose might need to be avoided if a person is suffering from any ailments of the digestive system due to the deep contracting of the abdominal muscles.