10 Wonder Benefits of Ardha Matsyendrasana

Ardha Matsyendrasana outline

Ardha Matsyendrasana (अर्धमत्स्येन्द्रासन) is the single sitting yoga asana, which is capable in the prevention of diabetes if it is performed systematically. Though it’s a little advanced yoga pose regarding technique, one can learn it by following its simple steps. Learn step by step technique of Ardha Matsyendrasana. Names like Half Lord of Fishes Pose, Half Spinal Twist Pose, Vakrasana, etc know it. Ardha Matsyendrasana is a Sanskrit word comprising (arDHa-matsya-eendra-asana). Ardha means half Matsya-fish, Endra means king, and 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 keeping the spine in optimal condition.
2. Back: Many people are suffering from back problems. Practising this yoga pose will help you eliminate all the back-related issues.
3. Aged people: Practicing this yoga at the elderly stage reduces the tendency of adjoining vertebrae to fuse, which is rampant at this stage, thus minimising vertebral problems.
4. Headache: It is good to relieve headaches because alternative compression helps to circulate blood to various body organs, 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 helpful in people suffering from sciatica and slipped disc.
8. Constipation: If this yoga pose is performed first from the right twist, the faecal matter travels up the ascending colon along the transverse colon and 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 faecal matter.
9. Digestion: This asana enhances digestion as the compressing and twisting the digestive system helps release digestive juice, thus promoting digestion.
10. Urinary system: Adequate compressing ensures proper flow of nutrients, oxygen, and blood to the urinary region and is suitable 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 a 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, founder of Hath Yoga and Nath tradition.
2. This is one of the most challenging yoga poses requiring a highly 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. the back should be as passive as possible while performing this yoga pose 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 spine’s health.
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 blood circulation, nutrients, and oxygen in the pelvic region.