ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA (Half spinal twist)
Welcome to Ashtanga Yoga Collection Project!
At AYA, we are attempting to demystify any secrets and misgivings about Ashtanga Yoga.
The following article will try to provide comprehensive and neutral information from various subject-matter experts about Ashtanga Yoga Postures and Practices. We have called this 'Ashtanga Yoga Collection' Project. This project aims to become a ready-reckoner and a reference for yoga teachers and enthusiasts training in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Although it is not an open forum, we invite participation from Ajarya Teachers as also yoga teachers from all over the world. All your submissions will be reviewed by our panel before they are published online.
Physiology:
- Stretching of side muscles of whole spine from neck to pelvis creates initiation of the internal organs and brings homeostasis around the internal organs (chakras)
- ANS functions like; Respiration, Heart beat (cardiac output), purification (diffusion & perfusion), Digestion, peristalsis, etc.
- Reproductive organs functions like maintains the strength of uterus and menstrual cycles in females, production of sperms and voluntary control of ejaculation process in males.
- Enhance the metabolism with Thyroid gland and Pancreas stimulation4
- Flexibility of spine improves the awareness of extremities in all activities.
- This is a Diaphragm restricted posture. So there is dependency on accessory muscles of respiration like abdominals and intercostal muscles or the posterior expansion of chest brings much aeration (oxygenation saturation/ perfusion).
- Balance & awareness of whole body3
- Balance between the two sides of the whole body without weight bearing on the joints.
Clinical Significance:
Diabetes, Stroke, IBS, Chest congestion, low Lung capacity, very good for paradoxical breathing, Back pain, constipation, piles, post natal conditions, Thyroid, and Pancreas disturbances, etc.
Spiritual Growth:
- Ardha means Half, Matsyendra refers to the great yogi Matsyendranath
- Ajna chakra
Suthra:
- Beginners should take wide BOS for better stability.
- Gravitational pull is primary than muscle effort.
- Combination of Isotonic & Isometric muscle contraction always required until stability commences.
- Later only the effortless posture can be attained and further the inner awareness can be achieved like meditative postures.
- Breathe as much comfortable as possible instead of prolonged periods until expertise.
Contributors to Ardha Matsyendrasana Page
The Half Moon Posture has been demonstrated by Ms Niharika Raval, who is a part of YogaArchanam Project at Surendranagar, Gujarat, India, pursuing PhD in Dance
The Ardha Matsyendrasana Procedure has been provided by Sri Viral Raval, who is a part of YogaArchanam Project at Surendranagar, Gujarat, India, pursuing PhD in Yoga
The limitations and berefits of Ardha Matsyendrasana have been given by Ms Niharika Raval
The Physiology of Ardha Matsyendrasana has been designed and provided by Dr E Amaravathi, a Master in Phsiotherapy currently pursuing PhD in Yoga
The Scientific Explanation and Clinical Significance (available only to registered Ajarya teachers) of Ardha Matsyendrasana has been provided by Dr E Amaravathi,
Please write to us if you wish to become a Ajarya Contributor!