Ardha-Matsyendrasana
Spine Twisting Pose

BENEFITS:
  • Compresses and stretches the spine
  • Increases hip and back flexibility
  • Improves digestion
  • Firms the buttocks, thighs and abdomen
  • Improves elasticity, flexibility, circulation and nutrition through spinal nerves and tissues
  • Encourages the free movement of synovial joint fluid through the spine
  • Decreases immobility caused be rheumatism
  • Tones the roots of the spinal nerves, thus aiding the sympathetic nervous system
  • Opens bronchial muscles and rib cage
  • Helps prevent slipped disc
  • Relieves lower back pain
  • Helps sciatica and arthritis of the knee
  • Massages kidneys, liver, gall bladder, spleen and bowels
tips:
  • Go slowly into this posture.
  • If the posture is done quickly the muscles in the spine that are already flexible will twist.
  • Moving slowly will open the tight areas.
  • Keep both sides of the buttocks on the floor.
  • Bring more weight into the legs and out of the spine, the straighter the spine, the more it will open with a twist.