Matsya Kridasana (flapping fish pose) - Healing Yoga Asanas

Lie on the stomach with the fingers interlocked under the head. Bend the left leg sideways and bring the left knee close to the ribs.

The right leg should remain straight. Swivel the arms to the left and rest the left elbow on the left knee. If this is not comfortable, rest it on the floor. Rest the right side of the head on the crook of the right arm, or a little further down the arm for more comfort. Relax in the final pose and, after some time, change sides. This position resembles a flapping fish.

Breathing: Normal and relaxed in the static pose.

Duration: Practise this asana for as long as possible on both sides. It may also be used for sleeping and resting.

Awareness: Physical - on the breath and relaxing the whole body.

Spiritual - on manipura chakra.

Benefits: This asana stimulates digestive peristalsis by stretching the intestines and helps remove constipation. It relieves sciatic pain by relaxing the nerves in the legs. People with backache, for whom the practice of forward bending asanas is not recommended, may practise matsya kridasana as a counterpose after backward bending asanas. In the later months of pregnancy, lying on the back may cause pressure over major veins and block the circulation. In such circumstances, this posture is ideal for relaxing, sleeping or practising yoga nidra. The bent knee and the head may be supported on a pillow for further comfort. This asana also redistributes excess weight around the waistline.