Ardha Matsyendrasana is the method of potting yourself in a position which is derived from the Sanskrit of the great Yogic Sage Matsvendra. It is a twisting position of your own body. The literal meaning of ‘Ardha’ has the meaning of half, ‘matsya’ means the power to vitalize, and ‘endra’ means the mind power that one may posses. All together it means that this position takes the spine and digestive system and works on them, it stimulates the digestive system as well as energizes the spine. This position also seems to destroy and the rid body of deadly and harmful diseases. It also seems to awaken the energy centers and channels of the body, more commonly known as Kundalini in Sanksrit.

 The technique starts off with the person sitting in an upright position with the back, like it is shown in the basic Dandasana position. You then start to bend the right leg, while at the same time extending the other one. You bring the bottom of your right food, or the sole, above the opposite leg and place it on the floor right next to the knee or thigh of the leg. You then start to bring the right leg’s foot as close as you can to the hips, as well as bending your left leg inwards so that the outside of the leg touches the floor. This will make the sole of your left foot closer to the right buttock. You then start to inhale and then slowly extend your back, spine, and head towards the air while slowly moving your right hand behind to the base of the spine. You then take your left arm and place your fingers in between the left knee and the floor while having your right knee fall behind your triceps. You slowly exhale as you do this and as you start to turn your head to look over the right shoulder while keeping the shoulders balanced. You then go on with some breathing exercises as you please while holding this position. To come back to the normal stance, all you do is gently reverse the steps very slowly and carefully. The best thing to do after doing this once, is to then repeat the entire process to the opposite side, so that it can effect the other half which was ignored.