Matsyasana (Fish pose)

Technique

Sit in padmasana and relax the whole body.
Carefully bend backward supporting the whole body with the arms and elbows. Lift the chest slightly, take the head back and lower the crown of the head to the floor.
Hold the big toes and rest the elbows on the floor.
Adjust the position of the head so that the miximum arch of the back is attained.
Relax the arms and the whole body, aallowing the head, buttocks and lags to support the weight of the body. Close the eyes and breath slowly and deeply.
return to the starting position, reversing the order of movements.
Repeat the asana, eith the legs crossed the other way.

Duration

The final position may be hold for up to 5 minutes although 1 to 3 minutes is sufficient for general health.

Breathing

Breathe deeply and slowly in the final position.

Benefits

This asana stretches the intestios and abdominal organ and is useful for all abdominal ailments.
This practice is very good for asthma and bronchitis as it encouraged deep respiration. It re-circulates stagnant blood in back, alleviating backache and cervical spondyltis