intermediate

Half Lord of the Fishes Pose

Ardha Matsyendrasana

ARD-hah MOTS-yen-DRAHS-ah-nah

A deep, seated spinal twist that wrings out tension from the core and revitalizes the nervous system. It balances the digestive fire while promoting a graceful rotation of the vertebral column.

Chakras
PrimaryManipura (Solar Plexus)
SecondarySvadhisthana (Sacral)Vishuddha (Throat)
Gaze:Far Right
Quick Summary
  • Sit with one leg crossed over the other.

  • Twist toward the top knee.

  • Keep the spine long and chest open.

Foundation
  • Root both sitting bones firmly; if one lifts, straighten the bottom leg.

  • Place the top foot flat on the floor outside the opposite knee.

Alignment
  • Inhale to grow tall before rotating; never twist into a collapsed spine.

  • The back hand acts as a second spine—use it for height, not for leaning.

Inhale to create space between the vertebrae|exhale to spiral deeper from the navel upward.
seatedtwist