Ardha Matsyendrasana



Ardha Matsyendrasana
Yogasana


How to do Sitting Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

  • Sit up with the legs stretched out straight in front of you, keeping the feet together and the spine erect.
  • Bend the left leg and place the heal of the left foot beside the right hip (optionally, you can keep the left leg straight).
  • Take the right leg over the left knee.
  • Place the left hand on the right knee and the right hand behind you.
  • Twist the waist, shoulders and neck in this sequence to the right and look over the right shoulder.
  • Keep the spine erect.
  • Hold and continue with gentle long breaths in and out.
  • Breathing out, release the right hand first (the hand behind you), release the waist, then chest, lastly the neck and sit up relaxed yet straight.
  • Repeat to the other side. Breathing out, come back to the front and relax.

Benefits of the Sitting Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

  • Makes spine supple
  • Increases the elasticity of the spine
  • Opens the chest and increases the oxygen supply to the lungs