Pose of the Week: Ardha Matsyendrasana

Here in New England Fall is just peeking through.  Cool weather, bright blue skies, and the slightest twinge of reds and golds coloring the edges of leaves.  For me the change of seasons signifies a time to cleanse my system and get ready for the new season.  Sweeping those toxic cobwebs out also helps to build immunity.  Always a good thing, especially since the cold and flu season has already arrived at my door.  Which brings me to the Pose of the Week...

Don't let the name of this pose scare you.  Sure, it's long and hard to pronounce.  It's Sanskrit!  But just like the actual pose, once you break it down it doesn't seem so scary.  The actual translation of this pose: Half Lord of the Fishes.  It's not even a whole  Lord.

This pose is great for stimulating the liver and the kidneys, which makes it a fantastic detoxifier.  The liver helping to break down the toxins, and the kidneys flushing them out.  Not to mention it feels fantastic on your shoulders, hips and neck, and assists in digestion.  

Let's break it down.

1. The best way I've found to get into this pose is by starting in Criss-Cross Applesauce.  That's my Sanskrit version of sitting with crossed legs.

2. Keeping your right leg where it is, place the sole of your left foot on the floor outside your right hip.  Your left knee should be pointing up at the sky.

3. Take a deep breath in as you lengthen your spine by reaching the crown of the head towards the ceiling. Exhale and twist toward the left, starting at the belly and then revolving the chest and then shoulders.  Who knows, maybe your head will follow suit.  

4. Place your left hand slightly behind you for support, as you deepen the twist by placing the right elbow on the outside of the left knee.  

5. Keep the integrity of the pose, by lengthening the spine with each inhale, and twisting a little deeper with each exhale.  
6. Release with an exhale, and repeat on the other side.  

Be sure with this, and every posture, to listen to your body.  Really.  Listen.  If it doesn't feel good, it probably isn't good for you.

Now go forth, practice, and detoxify!

~K

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