PARTIAL FISH

1. Lie on the back, legs and feet together, arms at the sides.

2. Place the upturned hands against the thighs, just below the buttocks.

3. Pressing on the elbows, lift the chest off the floor, bending the back and lowering the top of the head to the floor.

4. Once in this position, slowly ease the tension out of the legs and the arms. (This will shift more of the weight of the body onto the head, increasing the effect of the posture.)

5. Breathe slowly and deeply while holding the posture.

6. To come out, press on the elbows and lift the head slightly off the floor before straightening the neck and lowering the back to the floor.

7. Relax deeply.

BENEFITS: The Partial Fish Pose strengthens the lungs and improves breathing. It removes stiffness from the neck, shoulders, and back, and tones the thyroid and parathyroid glands. It is very helpful to those who work in a cramped position all day, or who are suffering from sore throats or colds. This pose balances neck muscles stretched by inverted poses, and helps clear congestion from the chest.