If you, like me, suffer from digestive problems (particularly if you tend toward constipation), twists are going to be your best friend! They are great to incorporate into our practice every day. Especially early in the morning, before breakkie, to get your bowels moving before you start the day. YAY!
Parivrtta Parsvakonasana
Parivrtta Parsvakonasana or revolved side angle pose is a deep, closed belly twist that can help improve digestion by stimulating the abdominal organs, improving gastrointestinal tone and aiding elimination.
If we think about the action of squeezing out a sponge full of water you can get a good visual of whats going on in your body during a twist. As you move into a twist you squeeze out all the old blood and on release you are flooded with fresh, oxygenated blood that will nourish the abdominal organs and spine. Awesome!
This pose is also useful in relieving back pain, sciatica and osteoporosis.