Wring Out Stress
Twists are often taught as balms for sluggish digestion, low energy, stifled breathing, and a variety of muscle aches and pains. Best of all, they feel good from the inside out. Reclining Twist offers an opportunity to feel the power of wringing out the body from its core. It can improve breathing, ease back and neck tension, and soothe frazzled nerves. Its reclined position lets us linger in the posture's curves and spirals, inviting the twist to penetrate deep into the spine. If you're anything like me, this pose will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and rinsed clean.
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet comfortably on the floor. Take a few moments to make sure the back body is long. Invite the skin of the back body to spread and soften, settling with ease and relief into the earth.
Grab hold of the back of the right thigh or the shin with your hands and draw the right knee toward your ribs. Rock gently from side to side to massage the lower back, and invite your exhalations to lengthen. Still drawing the right knee toward your chest, slowly straighten the left leg by reaching your foot toward the end of your mat. Ideally, the leg will end up fully outstretched. Roll onto your left side, bringing your right knee and both arms along with you as you turn. You should end up on your left side from ear to ankle, with your right hip stacked directly on top of your left and both arms resting on the floor to your left.