OM_Yoga_Magazine_December_2019

RAVI DIXIT IS THE MAN ON THE MAT

Benefits

This asana improves concentration and balance. It Increases

flexibility of the spine, relieves pain in the hips and the lower

back, while the leg muscles are strengthened and the hamstrings

are stretched. The twist massages abdominal tissues to help

detoxify internal organs and improve digestion.

Common mistakes

Curling the toes of the standing leg: Make sure that all the toes

of the standing leg are spread down on the floor, especially the

big toe, pressing the energy down. Pull the muscles of the leg

towards the spine, so your standing leg becomes strong and solid,

before lifting the other leg up.

Ravi Dixit is the owner of Ravi Yoga Resort in Goa, India

Find out more at: raviyogagoa.com or @raviyoga_goa

Tips

n It’s easy to lose balance if you’re rushing the pose, so take it slow.

n Once the standing leg is firmly grounded, pull the knee of the

other leg to your chest and stretch the leg out fully, before

you start the twist. Keep the spine straight and focus on your

breath, use each inhale to lengthen your spine and ground

your foot, and use each exhale to twist a bit more.

n Focus your eyes on one point to maintain balance.

n If you have tight hamstrings and can’t fully stretch your leg

without curving the spine, loop a belt around the sole of

the foot.

Awareness

PHYSICAL: Keeping the spine straight and maintaining balance

focusing on a fixed point.

SPIRITUAL: Focusing on the muladhara (root) or swadhisthana

(sacral) chakra.

Revolved Extended Hand to Foot Pose

(Parivrtta Utthita Pada Hastasana)

Photo: Mohammed Salik @mosalikstudios