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Backbend Asana · Intermediate (Level 3) · Catalog #800875

One-Legged Fish Pose Eka Pada Matsyasana

Fish Pose with one leg lifted. Halving the base doubles the demand on the supporting side and exposes any left-to-right imbalance immediately.

Practice One-Legged Fish Pose (Eka Pada Matsyasana) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
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One-Legged Fish Pose (Eka Pada Matsyasana) — Backbend Yoga Posture Illustration

One-Legged Fish Pose (Eka Pada Matsyasana) — Backbend posture targeting Chest, Back, Traps, Glutes, Abs · Even ujjayi breath · Backward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Neutral (0) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Eka Pada Matsyasana
Posture Family
Backbend
Difficulty
Intermediate (Level 3)
Recommended Hold
40 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Backward
Target Muscles
Chest, Back, Traps, Glutes, Abs
Energy Expenditure
3.0 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for One-Legged Fish Pose

One-Legged Fish Pose (Eka Pada Matsyasana) belongs to the Backbend posture family and engages the Chest, Back, Traps, Glutes, Abs at an intensity of approximately 3.0 METs. Fish Pose with one leg lifted. Halving the base doubles the demand on the supporting side and exposes any left-to-right imbalance immediately.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 40-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Backward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Chest, Back, Traps, Glutes, Abs.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 6 years (72 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Neutral (0) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 40 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Neck injury
  • High blood pressure
  • Migraine
  • Balance disorders

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