Flapping Fish Pose - Matsya Kridasana
There is a common fallacy that much of western society lives by; if you do more you will get more done and be more successful. This idea leads many to skip sleep and pack their days so full there is no time for rest or play. This obsession with busyness leads to more mistakes, more stress, and an increased risk of accidents. Yoga philosophy says that life is a balance between activity and stillness, doing and being, yin and yang. The yang aspects of yoga are commonly taught because they fit in with the mindset of “do more, be better.” However, Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga are finally coming into the spotlight and being celebrated for their important role. Luckily you do not have to make time for an entire class every day. Just five minutes a day of stillness can dramatically reduce stress levels and improve your wellbeing. Matsya Kridasana, Flapping Fish Pose, is the perfect shape to practice if you need more stillness and rest in your everyday life, but are unsure how to implement it.
What To Do
- Begin laying flat on your stomach with the hands interlaced under your head.
- Lean to the left as you bend your right knee up into your chest and rest it on the floor.
- Bring the right elbow down so it rests by the right knee.
- Your head can rest on the left elbow.
- Stay quietly and notice your breath for at least two minutes.
- Then do the other side.
Modification
- Place a rolled-up blanket under the hip joint to help lessen lower back pain.
Benefits
- Calms the nervous system.
- Benefits the digestive system, can help relieve constipation.
- Releases the lower back.
- Reduces pain from sciatica.
- Gently stretches the torso and legs.
