Dvitīyopadeśaḥ (Āsana) · Verse 30

मत्स्येन्द्रासनसम्प्रोक्तं योगिनां सिद्धिदायकम् | यदा तु पीड्यते पादो वामदक्षिणतः क्रमात् ||

matsyendrāsanam samproktaṃ yogināṃ siddhidāyakam | yadā tu pīḍyate pādo vāmadakṣiṇataḥ kramāt ||

Conclusion of Matsyendrāsana. The posture must be practiced on both sides — first left, then right — to maintain balance. This bilateral symmetry is fundamental in haṭha yoga.

The pressure (pīḍana) mentioned refers to the massage that the heel exerts on the abdomen when twisting. This compression stimulates the digestive organs and energy centers.

As a regular practice, Matsyendrāsana prevents back problems, improves digestion, and balances the functions of the kidneys and adrenals. It is one of the most therapeutic postures in the classical repertoire.