Oct 25, 2010 Posted by denice johnson on Oct 25, 2010 in body, life, spirit | 0 comments

Organic Yoga – The Spinal Twist

The Spinal Twist – or Ardha Matsyendrasana – is an important part of my organic yoga practice. I’ve been using this movement for many years but really noticed it’s benefits during my first pregnancy. It was a tremendous help with lower back and hip stiffness often associated with pregnancy and child birth. I now include it in almost every yoga practice and still feel it’s value.

Ardha Matsyendrasana has several benefits such as:

* keeping the spine limber and encouraging good side to side mobility
* contributes to the release of tension in the back and hips
* increases blood flow to the spine
* massages and increases blood flow for the gall bladder, spleen, liver kidneys and bowels
* encourages peace of mind

Ardha Matsyendrasana is a wonderful posture and I encourage you to add it to your next yoga practice – if you’re not already using it. You can find step by step instructions for the pose at Yoga Journal.