Matsyasana - The fish

[Lars Rimböck]

Dear Yogis

There is also like on halasana a discussion on Matsyasana because it also can destroy parts of the cervical spine.
Some love it, some gave up teaching it.
So I thing there is also a need to dicuss it and I´m persanlly keen if anyone of you knows about possible safty supports for this asana.

All the best
Lars

[Hubert]

I have an exaggerated cervical curve since birth. Family heritage. Too much Sarvangasana in a former life.
Matsayanasana brings great relief. Very good pose for toning the back muscles.
There is not much bodyweight on the neck. I'd say it is much safer than Halasana.

[Hubert]

Forgot the most important part ... back muscles should be fully contracted to stabilize the spine. Because of this I perform it as a strenght pose, for the lenght of only six breaths, to a maximum of 12 in a good day.
There must be no ambition to force the head all the way back, I'd say only 85-90 % of the maximum mobility of the neck should be used. It is more important to have the whole spine fixed and stable, from lumbar area to the uppermost vertebrae, using a the strenght of the back muscles. Bend back just to the comfortable level, then muscle-lock. Keep it a few breaths, slowly release the muscles, put the weight more on the elbows, and get back to prone position.