Written by Amy Notley
Your body will love a juicy winter twist that massages the digestive organs and promotes healthy elimination, while at the same time calming the nervous system.
Half Lord of the Fishes (Ardha Matsyendrasana) is the perfect posture for this blissful internal massage.
Simply sit on the ground with both sit bones grounded evenly. If this is a challenge, come into a supported version by bringing one leg out straight and activated on the mat – see photograph for this variation.
Bring the sole of your right foot to the floor outside your left thigh as you bring your left foot around so the heel is in contact with your right hip.
Inhale as you lengthen the spine and bring opposite arm to leg, then exhale, twisting through the belly with the gaze either ahead or looking towards the back shoulder.
If you’d like to combat fatigue this winter, Child’s Pose (Balasana) is your go to. It’s such a simple, yet effective posture for everyone.
The ultimate act of surrender, Child’s Pose has great soothing effects on the nervous system. It will help calm the mind, eliminate any unwanted stresses and help you turn within.
Start on the knees, bringing them nice and wide if you can. Hinge forward from the hips as you fold forward bringing the hands onto the mat. Stretch the arms out ahead to where they feel most comfortable and the head onto the mat. Try to keep the sit bones connected to the heels. If you can’t it’s okay. For a more restorative and supported variation, come onto a bolster or pillow. Allow the breath to become long and slow as you sink a little further into the earth. Follow each inhale and exhale, surrendering and letting go.
