Sanskrit: Matsyendrasana
maht-sven-DRAH-Sah-nah
Benefits
Stretches upper neck and back
Stimulates internal organs
Increases vitality
Standard Cues
Lie on your back with your feet together. Place your hands underneath your buttocks, palms down.
Push your elbows into the floor with an inhale and lift your chest toward the sky.
Bring the crown or top of your head to the floor. Keep most of your weight in your elbows.
Hold the pose and take slow, deep breaths.
Lift your head an inch off the floor with an exhale, then release all the way down.
Short Cues and options
Lift chest up
Keep mouth closed
Relax toes
Keep most of the weight in the elbows
Precautionary Warnings
Avoid this pose if you have a neck or back injury.