Fundamental Principles
Matsyasana is a lying (supine) pose, as well as a backbend.
It is one of the more active of the supine group, although the weight of the body is supported by the legs, arms and (to a lesser extent) by the head. In some respects it has more in common with backbends such as setu bandhasana or a gentle ustrasana, particularly for beginning students. It therefore shares characteristics with the backbending group as follows:
• Opens the chest, heart and lungs and front of the body;
• Increases flexibility in the spine (in this case cervical spine in particular);
• Strengthens the arms and shoulders;
• Gives energy and is rejuvenating;
• Makes the mind alert and active;
• Increases circulation ie heating;
• Combats depression;
• Slows down degeneration of the spine;
• Stimulates digestion (especially pancreas);
• Stimulates endocrine glands – thyroid, thymus, and adrenals as well as pancreas.
Primarily it is sequenced as a counterpose to sarvangasana.
