Like most yoga poses, twisting asanas provide physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits. To keep the spine supple and trigger our inner heat source, gentler twists are recommended during winter months. Then, with the arrival of Spring, we can venture into deeper twists that stimulate the organs and deliver tremendous benefits to our digestive system. The “squeeze and rinse” action of twists flushes toxins from our bowel, liver, and kidneys. Interestingly the “Happy Hormone”, serotonin, is produced in the bowel and twists trigger its release. In addition, our metabolism is boosted easing constipation and increasing circulation.
The stimulation and lubrication brought forth from twists create space for blocked energy to flow along your spine. The effects are a calm mind, an aligned chakra system, and a rewired brain. All of which brings you into your Parasympathetic Nervous System (rest & digest).
This integration of body, energy, and mind (Annamaya, Pranamaya, and Manomaya koshas) deepens your capacity to respond positively rather than react negatively to life events. To deepen your wisdom journey, practice the following three yoga actions in Parivrtta Trikonasana. Click on the audio file below for my verbal instructions.
- Yoga Action (Annamaya Kosha):
To keep the pelvis stable (not twisting) and connected to the legs;
– draw the Right (R) front hip bone diagonally down toward the Left (L) inner groin.
– draw the L front hip bone diagonally down toward the R inner groin. - Yoga Action (Pranamaya Kosha):
To twist the rib cage R (on the exhale);
– from the centre of the breast bone, draw an imaginary line along your chest skin to your R side ribs, from your R side ribs continue the line along your back body to your spine (behind your breast bone)
– from your back spine continue the line to your L side ribs, and around to your breast bone. NOTE: only the rib cage twists.
– repeat the twist on the L side - Yoga Action (Manomaya Kosha):
– rest in the pose by silently repeating to yourself with each inhale “I am breathing in” and with each exhale “I am breathing out.”
NOTE: It may take more than one pose before you awaken these yoga actions or areas in your body and begin to feel the arising sensations. In that case, apply the three yoga actions to the following poses —
UTTHITA PARSVAKONASANA
VIRABHADRASANA III
PARIVRTTA ARDHA CHANDRASANA
PARSVA UPAVISTHA KONASANA
For more asanas, sequences, and yoga actions, click here.
Namaste.
