The name comes from the Sanskrit word “Ardha,” meaning half, “Matsyendra,” the legendary yogi, and “Asana,” denoting a yoga pose.
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Introduction to the Asana
Benefits
- Stimulates the abdominal organs, aids digestion
- Alleviates tension in the spine and promotes a sense of calmness
- Massages and stimulates the liver, kidneys, and pancreas
- Helps to alleviate sciatica pain
- Cures diabetes by lowering the glucose level in the blood stream
Ailments Tackled
- Helps to relieve Sciatica Pain
- Kidney function improvement
- Cures Acidity problem
Steps to perform the Asana: Ardha Matsyendrasana (Therapy)
- Place a yoga mat on the floor and position a bolster horizontally across the mat.
- Sit on the floor in front of the bolster with your legs extended straight out in front of you.
- Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
- Shift your weight slightly to the right and bend your right knee, bringing your right foot close to your left sitting bone.
- Cross your left leg over your right thigh, placing the left foot on the floor outside your right knee.
- Inhale and lengthen your spine, sitting tall with your shoulders relaxed.
- Exhale and twist your torso to the left, bringing your left hand to the outside of your right thigh.
- Place your right hand behind your back and grasp the bolster, using it to support your spine and deepen the twist.
- Keep both sitting bones grounded on the floor and maintain a steady breath.
- Gently press your left elbow against your right thigh to deepen the twist, but avoid forcing the movement.
- Hold the pose for 30- 50 seconds, breathing deeply and maintaining the twist.
- Gently release the pose.
- Repeat the pose on the opposite side, bending your left knee and twisting to the right.
- Come back to the centre allowing your spine to realign.
- Back to a neutral seated position.
Key Alignment Points
- Not keeping your Shoulder straight when doing the asana
Contraindication / Cautions
- Avoid in case of chronic spinal injuries, herniated discs
- Avoid during Pregnancy
- Not to be done in high blood pressure
- Avoid if you have Knee, Hip & abdominal injury
- Avoid in case of osteoporosis or low bone density
Related Asanas
Parivritta parshvkonasana
परिवृत्त पार्श्वकोनासन / Revolved Side Angle Pose
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Parivrtta Trikonasana
परिवर्त्त त्रिकोनासन / Revolved Triangle Pose
The name comes from the Sanskrit parivrtta meaning "revolve," trikona, meaning …
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