Matsya Kridasana (Flapping Fish Pose) – What Yoga Teacher Never Told You

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Flapping Fish Pose In Yoga - Matsya Kridasana, how to do Flapping Fish Pose In Yoga - Matsya Kridasana, benefits of Flapping Fish Pose In Yoga - Matsya Kridasana, precautions.
Flapping Fish Pose (Matsya Kridasana)

Matsya Kridasana, also known as Flapping Fish Pose, is a yoga pose that is believed to be named after Lord Vishnu, who is said to have taken the form of a fish to save the world from a flood in Hindu mythology.

Overview

English NameFlapping Fish Pose
Sanskrit NameMatsya Kridasana
Meaning“Matsya Kridasana” is a Sanskrit term, where “Matsya” means “fish” and “Krida” means “play” or “movement”. Therefore, Matsya Kridasana can be translated to “Flapping Fish Pose” or “Fish Flapping Pose”
Base positionLying on the side
Duration5-10 minutes
Body PartFront/side
CategoryRelaxation Postures
BenefitsPromotes relaxation and aids digestion.
Overview of Makarasana (Crocodile Pose)

How to do Flapping Fish Pose (Matsya Kridasana)

  1. 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.
  2. The right leg should remain straight.
  3. Swivel the arms to the left and rest the left elbow near the left knee.
  4. 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.
  5. After some time, again become aware of the body and surrounding, and gently and smoothly release the posture.

Breathing pattern: Normal and relaxed in the static pose.

Duration: Practice Matsya Kridasana (Flapping fish pose) for as long as comfortable on both sides. It may also be used for sleeping and resting. 

Benefits of Matsya Kridasana (Flapping Fish Pose)

  1. This asana stimulates digestive peristalsis. It relieves sciatic pain by relaxing the nerves in the legs. 
  2. People for whom the practice of forward bending asanas is not recom­mended may practise matsya kridasana as a counterpose after backward bending asanas.
  3. Stretches and strengthens the muscles of the back, neck, and chest
  4. Improves posture and breathing
  5. Helps to relieve stress, anxiety, and fatigue
  6. Stimulates the abdominal organs and aids digestion
  7.  It relaxes tension in the perineum.
  8.  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.