A Healthy Twist

Ardha Matsyendrasana is a traditional posture for diabetes. It stimulates the kidneys, liver, spleen, pancreas, intestine, prostate, heart and lungs. It opens the neck, hips and shoulders, stretches and energises the back muscles and spine, cures constipation and indigestion and is helpful in cervical spondylitis and urinary tract disorders. It also increases blood circulation to the pelvic region as well as improves the function of the reproductive organs. It effectively cures menstrual problems in ladies.

● Techniques: Kneel down with your legs together, resting on your heels.Bend your knees, put your feet on the floor, then slide your left foot under your right leg to the outside of your right hip. Lift your right leg over your left, placing the foot against the outside of the left knee. The right knee will point directly up at the sky.Keep the spine erect. Stretch your arms out to the sides at shoulder level and twist around to the right. Exhale and twist toward the inside of the right thigh.Now bring the left arm down on the outside of the right knee and hold the right foot in the right hand, placing your right arm on the back. Look over the right shoulder.

Twist a little more with every exhalation. Be sure to distribute the twist evenly throughout the entire length of the spine. Stay in this posture as long as you can, then release with an exhalation, and return to the starting position, and repeat with the other side.

● Precautions:Avoid during pregnancy and periods. Patients of heart disease and those with spinal problems or those who have had abdominal surgery should not practice this asana.