Seated Twist

Seated Twist – Open your chest and shoulders to release stress and tension with this basic yoga twist. Much of the stress and tension we hold is revealed through the spine. Low back pain in the lumbar spine, upper back pain (plus shoulder pain) in the thoracic spine, and oh-that-neck-pain in the cervical spine. Twisting poses keep the spine flexible and the body pain free.

Benefits: Twisting poses help to relieve stress and anxiety by opening the chest, shoulders and back. This pose relieves back pain; improves digestion; improves circulation; and keeps the spine flexible. As you hold this pose, breathe deep into the belly to massage the internal organs and calm the nervous system.

How to: Sit in a comfortable position on the floor with your legs crossed. Ground through the sit bones and lift yourself to create a tall spine. Reach behind you with your left hand – pressing into the fingertips – and bring your right hand to the left knee. Inhale and sit tall – lifting through the crown of the head. Exhale twist and look over your left shoulder. Turn your eyes to the left as well, and direct the breath deep into your belly. You can use the hand on your knee to gently pull and deepen the stretch, just take good care not to force the twist. Hold this pose for 3-6 breath cycles. Rest at center before twisting to the other side.

Mantra: “I love seeing things from a different perspective.”