Notes
The rotation of the spine in this pose requires the muscles on the outsides of the hip joints
to be very long, and because of the narrowness of the base, the same muscles are very
actively modulating their actions to keep from falling side to side. This eccentric action of
lengthening while stabilizing for balance can make this pose feel very precarious.
If the legs and pelvis do not have the mobility to flex and rotate as much as needed, the
spine may flex to compensate. Rotating the spine when it is in a flexed position leaves the
joints along the back of the spine vulnerable to overmobilizing. It is important in this pose
to respect the range of motion available in the spine and to avoid using the pressure of the
hand on the floor or against the leg to force movement.
Breathing
In parivrtta trikonasana, the more open the pelvic structures are, the easier the balance
and breathing is. Otherwise, the upper body is held stiffly in rotation against the resistance
of the lower body, and the diaphragm, abdomen, and rib cage encounter considerable
resistance to their movements.
Parivrtta Trikonasana (continued)