Matsya Mudra: Meaning, Benefits, and How to Do

What is Matsya Mudra? Find out the benefits of this Mudra. Learn how to do Matsya Mudra at home with these simple steps.

Definition – What is Matsya Mudra and its Meaning, References, and Mythology?

Matsya Mudra consists of two Sanskrit words; let us break it down by making it simpler and easier to understand.

The word “Matsya” can be translated into “fish.”

In this Mudra, the word “Mudra” represents “Hasta Mudra,” which can be translated into a hand gesture or seal.

This Mudra serves a great purpose for joint-related issues such as osteoarthritis. It improves such conditions and makes people feel relieved after practicing this, Mudra.

According to Hindu Mythology, Matsya also represents Lord Vishnu’s reincarnation as a fish, known as Matsyavatar (Matsya Avatar).

As the name Matsya suggests, it activates the water element, which increases the body’s fluidity. We seem more fluid, and people like to have a conversation with us which attracts more information and knowledge. It is believed that it also improves our immunity.

This Mudra also improves survivability as it symbolizes a fish that is fearlessly floating in the ocean of this Sansara (world). It can be included with different postures which focus on different muscles. Similarly, we should not fear anything. We should work on our strengths and weaknesses and make ourselves so strong that we can easily survive the extreme days of our life.

Alternate Name of Matsya Mudra

The Gesture of the Fish.

How to Do Matsya Mudra?

• This Mudra does not require you to perform while seated in any meditative posture. You can practice this Mudra while practicing different Asanas, this asana is a part of various Indian dance forms, so it can be practiced while dancing as well.
• It is believed that to maximize the benefits of this Mudra, you should practice it during meditation. You can start sitting in Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Posture) or Padma Asana (Lotus Posture).
• Rest both of your hands comfortably on your knee. Palms facing upward towards the sky.
• Keep all the fingers and thumb extended. Slowly join your fingers together and point your thumb away.
• Now, stack the right palm exactly over the left palm.
• Keep your neck and spine comfortably straight.
• Completely close your eyes.
• Practice deep breathing.
• You can perform this Mudra while practicing different forms of meditation and pranayama.

Benefits of Matsya Mudra

• This Mudra helps with joint-related issues such as osteoarthritis. So, those who have such conditions should try it out.
• It energizes the body, soul, and mind.
• It helps to overcome problems and difficulties associated with imbalances caused by the water element.
• It helps with dry skin as well. And helps to keep the skin moisturized, which helps to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
• It helps us to live longer.
• It improves the immunity of the body.
• Helps to align the spine.

Precautions and Contraindications of Matsya Mudra

Drink adequate water while practicing but make sure not to take excessive water. For a healthy adult, 2-3 Litres of water a day is enough.

• Make sure that you are not putting excessive pressure on your fingers.

• Practice it in meditative postures to gain maximum benefits.

• Make sure to remain active throughout the day. Do not stay in a single place for too long.

• It can be practiced whenever you feel symptoms relating to osteoarthritis.

When and how long to do Matsya Mudra?

• This Mudra can be practiced when you feel you need to energize your mind, body, and soul.
• If you want to improve your immunity.
• If you have joint-related aches and pain or some similar issues.
• You can practice this if you want to remove problems caused by the water element.

Morning is the ideal time to do any yoga or Mudra. Our brain is at its best in the morning and during the daytime. So, you are more likely to be able to concentrate easily. Therefore, you should practice this Mudra from 4 am and 6 am to get the most effective outcomes.

If you are having difficulty with this during the morning, you can do this Mudra later in the evening too.

Practicing this Mudra for a minimum of 20-40 minutes daily is recommended. Whether you wish to complete it in one stretch or two threes that last between 10 and 15 minutes, it’s up to you. Based on research, the best way to practice an exercise for at least 20 minutes is to get the best benefits of that particular Mudra.

Breathing in Matsya Mudra

To enhance your practice, you can practice breathing techniques with this Mudra.

• Abdominal breathing, when you inhale, let the belly come out, and when you exhale, let the belly relax comfortably.

Visualization in Matsya Mudra

• Visualize that you are a fish that is fearlessly floating in this Sansara (world) ocean.
• You do not fear anything.
• You work on your strengths and weaknesses.
• You are strong to survive the extreme days of your life with ease.

Affirmation in Matsya Mudra

While practicing this, Keep a positive intention. Start with:

“The divinity protects me from every bad thing in my life.”

Conclusion

Matsya Mudra is a hand gesture that helps energize and circulate energy throughout the body. It is named after Matsya, the fish incarnation of Vishnu. If you are interested in learning more about Mudras and how to use them effectively, consider taking our Mudras Certification Course. This course will teach you all 108 Mudras and their corresponding benefits.