With Props (1)
Matsyasana Padmasana
मत्स्यासन पद्मासन
Matsyasana in Padmasana is Fish Pose performed in Lotus — chest arched up, crown on floor, hands holding toes.
Anatomy Involved
Benefits
- Deep chest opener
- Stretches the throat and neck
- Stimulates thyroid
- Traditional counter-pose for Sarvangasana
- Full anatomical benefits — muscles, joints, organs →
Avoid If
- Neck injuries
- Knee injuries (Padmasana)
- Lower back injuries
- Cervical spondylosis
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Teaching Cues
For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students
5 cues
Teaching Cues
For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students
- 1Initiate the backbend from the thoracic spine, not the lumbar
- 2Lift the sternum toward the ceiling
- 3Keep the gluteal muscles engaged to protect the lower back
- 4Broaden across the collarbones
- 5Maintain length in the back of the neck — do not drop the head back
Pose Details
Helps With
Pose Type
Body Focus
Focus Areas
Yoga Styles
When to Practice
Position
Modify If You Have
knee injury
Do Matsyasana with legs straight instead of Padmasana.
Target Areas
Practice Flow
About this Pose
Matsyasana in Padmasana is Fish Pose performed in Lotus — chest arched up, crown on floor, hands holding toes.
How to Practice
1. Sit in Padmasana.
2. Using hands for support, slowly recline backward.
3. Arch the back — lift the chest up.
4. Place the crown of the head on the floor.
5. Hold the big toes with the hands (in Padmasana).
5 more steps remaining
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Matsyasana Padmasana
What is Matsyasana Padmasana?
Matsyasana in Padmasana is Fish Pose performed in Lotus — chest arched up, crown on floor, hands holding toes.
What are the benefits of Matsyasana Padmasana?
Deep chest opener. Stretches the throat and neck. Stimulates thyroid. Traditional counter-pose for Sarvangasana.
Who should avoid Matsyasana Padmasana?
Avoid this pose if you have: Neck injuries, Knee injuries (Padmasana), Lower back injuries, Cervical spondylosis.
How many steps are in Matsyasana Padmasana?
Matsyasana Padmasana is practiced in 10 steps. Sit in Padmasana.
Is Matsyasana Padmasana suitable for beginners?
Matsyasana Padmasana is an intermediate-level pose. Beginners should practice with props or under guidance.
What conditions does Matsyasana Padmasana help with?
Matsyasana Padmasana is therapeutic for: posture correction, flexibility.
What poses should I do before Matsyasana Padmasana?
Prepare with: Fish Pose, Supta Tadasana, Supported Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, Bhujangasana (with Bolster Support). These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.
Build Your Own Sequence
Combine Matsyasana Padmasana with other poses