Fish Pose into the New Year- 2010

The New Year is a common and good time to set goals.  Positive intentions made for your best sake and the best sake of those around you are the beginnings of positive change.

Even though a new calendar year is beginning, we learn through yoga practice that the universe within us and around us is in constant flux.  The yoga postures can help us to find balance, grounding, and happiness throughout this constant change.

In January 2010, Evolution Yoga focuses on Matsyasna (Fish Pose)

• to boost your immune system (Matsyasan is known as “The Destroyer of Disease”)
• to provide extra oxygen to your lungs/ enhance respiratory system
• helps normalize thyroid, pituitary, pineal and adrenal glands, leading to healthy hormone levels/skin
• to release tension and stiffness in neck and shoulders
• to invite heat and energy
• to enhance receptivity
• to strengthen your back and add flexibility to spine
• to tone your belly
• to open your hips, heart and throat

How to Get into Fish:

• Lie on your back w/ legs extended straight w/ feet flexed (fish tail) OR cross legged OR in lotus
• Lift your head off the ground and arch your back as much as you can while pushing into your elbows
• Tuck your thumbs under your sitting bones
• Rest the crown of your head on the floor
• Use your forearms and elbows to support you
• Breathe deeply into your abdomen and chest- consider Dirgha or Ujjayi Pranayam
• To release the pose, push into your elbows, lift your head up, and return to a lying down position