Half Lord of the Fishes
Maya - Pose Assistant
Ask me anything about Half Lord of the Fishes
Benefits
Half Lord of the Fishes Pose is a classic seated spinal twist that increases spinal flexibility, energizes the spine, stretches shoulders, hips, and neck, massages abdominal organs, aids digestion, and can relieve mild backache.
Practice Guide
Sit in Staff Pose. Bend right knee, place right foot flat on floor outside left thigh. Keep left leg extended, foot flexed (or bend left knee, bringing left foot near right hip).
Place right fingertips on floor behind you, close to sacrum, helping to lift spine tall.
Inhale, reach left arm up. Exhale, twist torso to right, bringing left elbow to outside of right knee/thigh, or hugging right knee with left arm.
Press elbow/arm against thigh to deepen twist. Keep spine long, shoulders relaxed.
Gaze over right shoulder if neck comfortable.
Hold, breathing into twist. Exit: Inhale, release twist, return to center. Repeat left.
Modifications
Keep the bottom leg straight instead of bent.
Hug the bent knee with the opposite arm instead of taking elbow outside knee.
Sit on edge of folded blanket if hips tight/back rounding.
Place back hand on floor further away for less intensity, closer for more leverage.
Add a bind (wrapping arms around) only if basic twist is comfortable and spine stays long.
Safety Notes
⚠Back or spine injury (herniated disc - avoid deep twists, consult doctor)
⚠Pregnancy (perform open twist away from bent leg)
⚠Recent abdominal or spinal surgery
⚠SI joint issues (ensure twist doesn't cause pain)
Anatomy
Muscles Targeted
Muscles Stretched
What's Next?
Maya suggests trying these poses:
Focus Areas
Yoga Styles
Sequencing
✨ Maya's Tips
These insights help Maya understand how this pose flows with others when creating sequences and classes.