Why twist?

This week in class the focus is on revolved yoga poses as they are a great way to relieve physical & psychological blockages.

The twists relieve muscular tension in the shoulders from poor posture & also help to untie psychological blockages. On a physical level they help us to spiral our spine correctly and use our backs in the way they were intended in daily life. Preparation for these revolved poses helps us find space between the vertebrae, which helps to correct any poor posture. Deep breaths when in the twisted pose can stretch and strengthen the diaphragm. Samana is the Prana Vayu associated with the centre of the body & its energy is a digesting, concentrating, absorbing & a consolidating force. Stimulating it with revolved yoga poses creates ‘fire’ in the belly, it aids physical digestion, it helps us to process our sensory perceptions & mental experiences. This enables us to be balanced on every level, with clarity and the power to transform. As we exhale in the twist we aim to let go of anger and negativity & as we inhale we visualise clear energy being absorbed into both sides of the body.

Revolved poses are also great to help technique in other sports like golf and tennis, we will focus on axial extension through the spine before twisting to create a spacious spine that is fully able to twist.

“Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone, you are the one who gets burned” The Buddha 563-483 BCE India