Matyasana

Position : Supine posture


Practice :

• Lie down on your back  and relax the whole body.
• Bend the right leg and place it on the top of the left thigh.
• Bend the left leg and place it on the top of the right thigh.
• Rest the palms on either side of the head with fingers pointing towards the shoulders.
• While inhaling, with the support of the palms, lift the head and the back off the floor.
• Adjust the position of the head, so that the center of the crown region to the ground by bending the dorsal and cervical spine backwards.
• While exhaling, release the palms and hold the big toes and rest elbows on the floor.
• Relax the arms and the whole body, allowing the head, buttocks and legs to support the weight of the body.
• Gently close the eyes. Stay in the position for a minute or as long as you can with the normal breathing.
• While exhaling, return to the starting position slowly to supine position.
• Relax in Savasana.

Benefits :

• This is complementary asana to Sarvangasana.
• Recommended for Diabetes, Asthmatics and other Respiratory problems.
• Stretches the abdominal organs and is useful for all abdominal ailments.
• Regulates the function of the Thyroid gland.

Contra-indications :

• People with heart disease, ulcers, hernia and cervical spondylosis should avoid this posture.