Twist the anxiety away!
Updated: Feb 13, 2020
This month of February I will be focussing my yoga classes on twisting asanas.
And you might ask: but Irene, why twisting?
Well simple my dear friend, twisting asanas (practiced slow and within the capacity of your body) have incredible benefits! Mainly they are known to cleanse the organs and stimulate circulation.
An incredibly good side effect, is that, when combined with a slow and steady breath, they will calm the mind and have positive effect on anxiety.
This month of February I will be focussing my yoga classes on twisting asanas.
And you might ask: but Irene, why twisting?
Well simple my dear friend, twisting asanas (practiced slow and within the capacity of your body) have incredible benefits! Mainly they are known to cleanse the organs and stimulate circulation.
An incredibly good side effect, is that, when combined with a slow and steady breath, they will calm the mind and have positive effect on anxiety.
Let's have a closer look at the benefits
1) Mobilize the spine
The muscles around the spine tend to become stiff and dysfunctional overtime, decreasing the range of motion and sometimes creating discomfort or lower back pain. Twisting asanas will help with spinal mobility and capacity of motion.
2) It's a detox! ***
Our dear liver and lymphatic system do an amazing job in getting rid of toxins from the body. Twists stimulate their functioning, supporting the process of detoxification in the system.
3) Digest! ***
Squeeze, release, squeeze, release...this constant squeezing and releasing of the internal organs will supply new fresh blood (and with it oxygen and nutrients) to the organs. By increasing the blood flow into the digestive organs, their functioning will improve.
4) Power up!
One of the causes of feeling low energy is the lack of mobility and space in the spine. Compressed vertebras, due to a lack of movement or long sitting hours in front of the computer, result in a sloppy feeling. With lengthening and twisting, we are creating space in the spine. This space allows for a better flow which most possibly will have a positive impact on your energy levels.
5) Alleviate Back pain
Because of the sedentary life, or many working hours in front of a computer, these muscles stiffen and over time, if we don't mobilise them, we incur in the risk of hardening and fusing joints. Twists support the stretching and strengthening of the back muscles providing relief from back pain.
6) Untwist the mind!
Twists help to relax. They open the shoulders, chest, and back allowing the energy to flow in those areas that are often tight and constricted. In addition, the nervous system runs alongside the spine and gets nurtured and stimulated by the twists. Stored tension will be released, having a positive effect on your mind help with your anxiety.
7) Good for menstrual cramps
Often times menstruation cramps are caused by blood stagnation. Twisting asanas work on the middle channel promoting the blood flow, removing stagnation and pain. Be aware, twists are not recommended during menstruation. Easy open twists are a valid alternative for when you are on your moon time.
If you want to practice with me, join me at 5th Element Wellness in Fitzroy, every
Wednesday at 6:30 PM
Friday at 6:30 AM
Let reception know you are my friend, and you will be able to join the class at a discounted price of $12.
***Twists do affect our mobility (movement of organs in relation to each other) and our motility (movement within an organ). However, they are not the only reason for organ's stimulation, as a number of other factors are involved.
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Find my new yoga playlist here
Find this month "twist and stand sequence" here
Teaching at 5th Element Wellness in Fitzroy
Wednesday at 6:30 PM and
Friday at 6:30 AM