This asana is a relaxing and  therapeutic yoga posture. It resembles a playful fish flapping its tail and fins.

Instructions

1. Lie flat on your stomach, facing the floor, with your hands at your sides.
2. Bend your elbows and interlock your fingers under your head.
3. Place your right hand (palms) over the left hand and rest your head on top of the hands (back of the palms). The head should face to the left.
4. Bend your left knee, bringing it close to your ribs and left elbow while keeping your right leg straight.
5. Close your eyes, relax your body, and breathe steadily and naturally.

You can practice this posture on both sides. To switch, turn your head to the right, bend your right leg, and keep your left leg straight. Stay in the pose on each side for as long as you feel comfortable.

Benefits of Matsya Kridasana (Flapping Fish Pose)

1. It provides deep relaxation and can be used as a resting or sleeping pose.
2. Stretches the abdominal area and relieves constipation.
3. Gently stretches the waist, helping to reduce waistline fat.
4. It relaxes the lower back and alleviates sciatic pain by relaxing the nerves in the legs.
5. It serves as a counterpose after practicing backward-bending asanas.

This pose is especially beneficial for pregnant women in later months, as lying on the back can obstruct circulation due to pressure on major veins. It offers comfort for relaxation, sleep, or yoga nidra, and adding a pillow under the bent knee and head can enhance comfort.