BKS Iyengar said that twists are detoxifying because of the squeeze and soak action.
The organs of detoxification and elimination are compressed pushing out old blood and so then when we release the twist fresh blood can flow in. This is widely accepted in the yoga industry but there is some healthy debate on this.
Twists do affect our mobility (movement of organs in relation to each other) and our motility (movement within an organ). However, a number of factors are involved in stimulation of our organs.
It would be safe to say that twists help to stimulate our organs, including our organs of elimination which in turn can help stimulate our metabolism and rate of excretion. They do stimulate circulation, creating heat, releasing tension in the muscles of the spine, abdomen and rib cage, which has a knock-on effect of helping the other systems in the body work effectively.
ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA – SITTING HALF-SPINAL TWIST YOGA POSE
- Sit with your legs stretched out straight in front of you, keeping your feet together
- Bend your right leg and place the heel of your right foot beside the left hip.
- Place your left leg over your right knee.
- Place your right hand under your left knee and your left hand behind your lower back.
- Twist the waist, shoulders and neck in this sequence to the left and look over your right shoulder.
- Hold the pose for 4 breaths.
Release your hands and return to starting position.
Repeat on the other side
Varvara Solomonidou,Wellness Specialist, Personal Trainer, Seminar & Conference Lecturer, Pilates Master Trainer “AthensTrainers® Ultimate Pilates System®”, Member of Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), Member of European Lifestyle Medicine Organization (ELMO), DNAFit® Certified Trainer, General Manager & Owner of AthensTrainers®
Model: Fenia Vracha, Yoga & Pilates Instructor, AthensTrainers® Associate
Photos: Dionysis Tsipiras
Source: Body Magazine,