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Spinal Twisting Yoga Postures

Although we are all twisting throughout the day it is a movement that is rarely given much thought. Often we have a preferred side or way to move and imbalances form in the body.

Using the twisting postures available in yoga helps to build flexibility, strength, and awareness in this fundamental movement. This goes towards the health of the spine and overall longevity too!

Twisting postures are also really important for improving breath control, and lung capacity and can be used to help with conditions that are associated with breathing problems from asthma to anxiety.

There are endless variations of twisting poses in yoga, try some of the more common ones from our library and see how they feel to you. Can you notice any difference between your left and right sides?

Marichyasana-CMarichyasana C
Marichyasana is the set of poses that use binding, twisting, and bending to access areas of the body that not… Read More »Marichyasana C
Parsva-Bakasana-Twisted-Crane-PostureParsva Bakasana – Side Crane Posture
Prasva – side, Bak – crane, asana – posture. The side crane posture.This is an intermediate-level arm balancing posture that… Read More »Parsva Bakasana – Side Crane Posture
Parsva-sirshasana-twisted-headstandParsva sirshasana/ twisted headstand
Parsva means side or flank. In this variation, the trunk and the legs are turned sidewards on either side while… Read More »Parsva sirshasana/ twisted headstand
Parivrtta-Trikonasana-Revolved-triangle-postureParivrtta Trikonasana – Revolved triangle posture
Parivrtta means revolved, trikon means triangle. Steps: Stand in Tadasana. Inhale and spread your feet about 3 to 3.5 ft apart… Read More »Parivrtta Trikonasana – Revolved triangle posture
Dwi-pad-KoundinyasanaDwi pad Koundinyasana
This is an intermediate-level arm balancing pose named after Sage Kaundinya (or Koundinya). This posture can be entered from parsva… Read More »Dwi pad Koundinyasana
Marichyasana-DMarichyasana D
This is the 4th posture in a series dedicated to sage Marichi. This is considered to be one of the… Read More »Marichyasana D
Astavakrasana-Eight-angle-postureAstavakrasana – Eight angle posture
Astavakra means eight-crooks. This posture is dedicated to sage Astavakra who was born crooked in eight places because of a… Read More »Astavakrasana – Eight angle posture
Tiryak-Bhujangasana-Swaying-Cobra-posture-poseTiryak Bhujangasana – Swaying Cobra posture
Translation: Tiryak- swaying; bhujang- serpent, snake; asana- posture. Tiryak bhujangasana (the swaying cobra pose) pose is a variation of the… Read More »Tiryak Bhujangasana – Swaying Cobra posture
Parivrtta-Supta-Padangustasana-Revolved-Reclining-Hand-To-Big-Toe-PostureParivrtta Supta Padangustasana – Revolved Reclining Hand To Big Toe Posture
Translation: parivrtta- revolved, twisted; supta- supine, lying down; pad- foot; angusta- big toe; asana- posture. Parivrtta supta padangusthasana could be… Read More »Parivrtta Supta Padangustasana – Revolved Reclining Hand To Big Toe Posture
Shava-Udarakarshanasana-Universal-Spinal-TwistShava Udarakarshanasana – Universal Spinal Twist
Translation: Shava- corpse; Udar- abdomen; akarshan- stretch, pulling; asana- pose. The universal spinal twist pose is a relaxation-inducing pose. It… Read More »Shava Udarakarshanasana – Universal Spinal Twist