New Delhi, April 20 (IANS). Yoga is beneficial not only for physical health but also for mental health. One of these, Matsayana, is a yoga asana, which is helpful in reducing belly fat and making the spine flexible.
Matsyasana is made up of two words. ‘Matsya’, meaning ‘fish’, and ‘Asana’, meaning ‘posture’. This is such an asana in which the shape of the body looks like a fish, hence it is called Matsyasana.
The Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India has also placed it in the category of important yogasanas. According to him, doing this yoga asana is considered especially beneficial for chest, neck and stomach related health. This asana increases lung function and brings flexibility to the spine.
Beginners should do this only under expert supervision. To do this, first lie down on your back. Keep your legs straight and place your hands below your hips with palms facing down. Taking support from the elbows, inhale and lift the chest and head up. Rest the back of the head on the ground, but keep the weight on the elbows (do not put pressure on the neck). Remain in this posture for a few seconds as per your capacity and take deep breaths. Return to normal position. Repeat 3-5 times initially.
Initially do this for 10-15 seconds only and gradually increase the time, which will give relief to the body. By combining Matsyasana with Surya Namaskar or other asanas, its benefits increase manifold. It is considered best to practice this asana on an empty stomach in the morning. If you practice Matsyasana even for just 5-10 minutes daily, your body will be healthy, flexible and energetic.
People with serious neck or back problems should not do this asana without consulting a doctor or yoga guru. People suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease should be careful. At the same time, this asana should be avoided during pregnancy.
–IANS
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