Learn How to do Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
Twisting poses are a common addition to any yoga class because they provide a multitude of benefits for the entire body.
Twists increase flexibility in the spine
They help calm the mind, relax the nervous system, improve digestion, and cleanse the internal organs. Half Lord of the Fishes Pose is a popular seated twist.
- Begin seated on the floor with your legs extended in front of you, arms resting at your sides. This is Staff Pose (Dandasana).
- Bend both knees, placing the soles of your feet flat on the floor. Then, drop your left knee to the floor. Tuck your left foot under your right leg, resting it alongside your right buttock.
- On an inhalation, raise your left arm overhead. Exhaling, twist to the right, with your torso against the inside of your right thigh. Place your left elbow to the outside of your right knee. Keep your forearm raised, with your fingertips pointing toward the ceiling. To deepen the pose, lower the left forearm and hold onto the left knee. Reach behind your body with your right hand and rest it on the floor behind you.
- Spiral your torso around your spine from your tailbone to the crown of your head.
- With each inhalation, make your spine longer; and with each exhalation, twist a little deeper.
- Turn your head to gaze over your right shoulder.
- Press your inner right foot firmly into the floor. Keep the front of your torso long. Draw your tailbone down to the floor.
- Hold for up to one minute.
- To release, exhale and unwind your torso. Come back to center and extend both legs in front of you in Staff Pose again. Repeat the twist for the same length of time on the opposite side.
