10 Wonder Benefits of Ardha Matsyendrasana

Ardha Matsyendrasana outline

Ardha Matsyendrasana (अर्धमत्स्येन्द्रासन) is the single sitting yogasana, which is capable in the prevention of diabetes, if it is performed systematically. Though it’s a little bit advanced yoga pose in respect of technique but one can learn it by following its simple steps. Learn step by step technique of Ardha Matsyendrasana. It is known by different names like Half Lord of Fishes Pose, half spinal twist pose, Vakrasana, so on. Ardha Matsyendrasana is a Sanskrit word comprising (arDHa-matsya-eendra-asana).Ardha means half Matsya-fish Endra means king Asana means yoga pose

Health benefits of ardha matsyendrasana

1.  Spine: This is one of the best yoga poses for spinal health as it provides excellent compression and extension to the nerves and muscles of the spine. The compression and extension squeezed out sluggish blood of the spinal region to the heart and lungs, thus keep the spine in optimal condition.
2. Back: A large number of people are sufferings from back problems. Practicing this yoga pose will help you to get rid of all the back-related problems.
3. Aged people: Practicing this yoga at the elderly stage, reduces the tendency of adjoining vertebrae to fuse together, which is quite rampant at this stage, thus minimizes the vertebral problems at this stage.
4. Headache: It is good to relieve headaches because alternative compression helps to circulate blood to various organs of the body including the brain thus good for refreshing the mind.
5. Diabetes: For diabetes prevention and management, Ardha Matsyendrasana or half spinal twist pose acts as a panacea for sugar control. It activates the pancreas to release insulin.
6. Round Shoulders: Regular practice of this yoga pose is helpful to remove any tendency towards round shoulders.
7. Sciatica and slipped disc: It has been found very useful in the case of people who are suffering from sciatica and slipped disc.
8. Constipation: If this yoga pose performs first from the right twist, the fecal matter travels up the ascending colon along the transverse colon, and then downwards in the descending colon before being expelled from the body. Therefore an initial twist to the right followed by a left-hand twist compresses the colon and activates the nerves associated with intestinal peristalsis in the same order as the progressive movement of fecal matter.
9. Digestion: This asana enhances digestion as the compressing and twisting of the digestive system helps to release digestive juice thus promote digestion.
10. Urinary system: The adequate compressing ensures proper flow of nutrients, oxygen, and blood to the urinary region and good for the health of the urinary system and urinary tract infections.

Preventions and contraindications

• Pregnant woman should strictly avoid this yoga pose
• In case of stiff spine, practice it under yoga expert supervision.
• Avoid in case of any surgery in the abdominal region.
• Hernia or ulcer patients should perform it with care.
• Don’t perform while having a slipped disc.
• Hyperthyroidism patients should avoid performing it.

Top 10 facts of ardha matsyendrasana

1. This half spinal twist pose is named after the great yogi Matsyendranath who was the founder of Hath yoga and Nath tradition.
2. This is one of the most difficult yoga pose that requires an extremely flexible body.
3. This is one of the 12 yoga poses of Hatha Yoga.
4. To become a master of this yoga pose, one should practice Vakrasana first.
5. While performing this asana, do not sit on the heel.
6. While performing this yoga pose, the back should be as passive as possible to harness its maximum benefits.
7. Keep the back straight and upright in the final position.
8. This is one of the best yoga poses for the health of the spine.
9. Therapeutically, this asana is good for diabetes, constipation, anorexia, cervical spondylitis, menstrual disorders, and indigestion.
10. This yoga pose is good for women’s reproductive system as it helps to increase the blood circulation, nutrients, and oxygen in the pelvic region.