________________
Breathing: Normal and relaxed in the static pose. Duration: Practise this asana for as long as possible on both
sides. It may also be used for sleeping and resting. Awareness: Physical - on the breath and relaxing the whole
body.
Spiritual - on manipura chakra. Benefits: This asana stimulates digestive peristalsis by stretch
ing the intestines and helps remove constipation. It relieves sciatic pain by relaxing the nerves in the legs. People with backache, for whom the practice of forward bending asanas is not recommended, may practise matsya kridasana as a counterpose after backward bending asanas. In the later months of pregnancy, lying on the back may cause pressure over major veins and block the circulation. In such circumstances, this posture is ideal for relaxing, sleeping or practising yoga nidra. The bent knee and the head may be supported on a pillow for further comfort. This asana also redistributes excess weight around the waistline.
