Ardha Matsyendrasana

Ardha Matsyendrasana

How to do Ardha Matsyendrasana

1. Bend the left leg and place the left foot on the ground over the right knee.

2. Bend the right leg and fold it so that it is resting on the ground with the right heel near the left buttock.

3. Bring the right hand over the left leg and grab the big toe of the left foot.

4. Inhale and exhaling twist the trunk of the body as much as possible, turning the neck so the gaze is over the left shoulder and encircle the waist with the left hand with the palm facing outwards. Continue to maintain the asana, breathing normally.

Benefits of Ardha Matsyendrasana

1. Increase spine flexibility thus very beneficial  for people suffering from back pain.

2. Removes the wastes and improves digestion

3. Stimulate heart, kidneys, liver, spleen and lungs.

4. Open the neck, hips and shoulders.

5. Relieve fatigue, sciatica, backache and menstrual discomfort.

6. Very beneficial for diabetes patients.

Precautions

1. Should be avoided during pregnancy and menstruation due to the strong twist in the abdomen.

2. People with Heart, abdominal or brain surgeries should not practice this asana.

3. Care should be taken for those with peptic ulcer or hernia.

4. Those with severe spinal problems should avoid and those with mild slipped disc can benefit but in severe cases it should be avoided.