Corpse Pose

Corpse Pose

Yoga

SANSKRIT: Matsyasana (mot-see-AHS-anna)

DESCRIPTION: The body rests on the earth in a supine position with the arms resting by the side body. The palms are relaxed and open toward the sky. The shoulder blades are pulled back, down and rolled under comfortably, resting evenly on the earth. The legs are extended down and splayed open. The heels are in and the toes flop out. The eyes are closed. Everything is relaxed. The gaze is inward.

BENEFITS: Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression. Relaxes the body. Reduces headache, fatigue, and insomnia. Helps to lower blood pressure.

Happy Baby Pose

Happy Baby Pose

Yoga

SANSKRIT: Ananda Balasana (ah-NAHN-dah bah-LAHS-anna)

DESCRIPTION: From a supine position, on your back, the knees are bent slightly wider than the hips. The ankles and shins track the knees in a 90-degree angle perpendicular to the earth. The hands grip the inside sole of the flexed feet (if you have difficulty holding the feet loop a strap over each sole) and push the knees down, coaxing the thighs in toward the torso, lengthening the spine, releasing the tailbone towards the earth and extending the base of the skull away from the back of the neck. The gaze is up towards the sky.

BENEFITS: Gently stretches the inner groins and the back spine. Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and fatigue.

Fish Pose

Fish Pose

Yoga

SANSKRIT: Matsyasana (mot-see-AHS-anna)

DESCRIPTION: From a supine position, lying on the back, the pelvis and upper torso are arched up and lift off the earth. The head is released back and rests on the crown of the head (there should be a minimal amount of weight on the head to avoid crunching the neck). The scapulae are pressed firm towards each other. The arms are extended overhead with steepled fingers while simultaneously the legs are lifted up with the toes engaged sending prana to the extremities. The gaze is either up towards the sky or to the back of room, depending on your flexibility.

BENEFITS: A traditional text states that Matsyasana is the “destroyer of all diseases”. Stretches the deep hip flexors (psoas) and the muscles (intercostals) between the ribs. Stretches and stimulates the muscles of the belly and front of the neck. Stretches and stimulates the organs of the belly and throat. Strengthens the muscles of the upper back and back of the neck. Improves posture.