Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
Ardha Matsyendrasana

What is Half Lord of the Fishes Pose?
Half lord of the fishes pose, or ardha matsyendrasana in Sanskrit, is a beginner's seated spinal twist. While it certainly improves spinal flexibility, its main benefit is that it increases circulation to the abdominal organs and improves digestion.
Instructions
- Begin sitting with the legs outstretched.
- Bend the right leg and place the sole of the foot on the floor outside of the left knee. Bend the left leg, bringing the foot near the right buttock.
- Inhale and reach the left arm up.
- Exhale and twist to the right. Bend the left arm and press the elbow against the outside of the right knee, twisting deeper. Look over the right shoulder.
- Breathe while holding the pose.
- Inhale and untwist. Change sides.
Cautions
- Avoid if there is hip or spinal injury
Benefits of Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
- Stretches and tones the spine
- Improves flexibility
- Improves circulation to the abdominal organs
- Stimulates digestion
- Promotes blood flow to the pelvic area
- Relieves back pain
Half Lord of the Fishes Pose Details
- Sanskrit Name
- Ardha Matsyendrasana
- Pronunciation
- ar-dhah mat-syen-DRAH-sah-nah
- Pose Level
- Beginner
- Drishti
- Parshva (Side)
- Pose Type
- Seated Poses, Twists
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