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.
PARIVRTTA PRASARITA PADOTTANASANA – REVOLVED WIDE-LEGGED STANDING FORWARD FOLD
Begin with Mountain Pose.
Place your palms on your sides and lengthen your spine. Make sure your feet are slightly turned in and in line with one another.Exhale and, maintaining the length of the spine, lean the torso forward from the hip joints. As your torso approaches parallel to the floor, press your hands onto the floor directly below your shoulders, maintaining and extended spine.
Inhale and place the left palm flat on the floor below your head. Exhale and twist your torso and head to the right. . Lift your right hand up and point your fingertips to the ceiling.Look at your right palm and stay in this pose for 4 to 5 breaths.
Repeat on opposite 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,