Jathara Parivartanasana – The Belly Revolving Pose
jah-Tar-ah-pari-Vart-UH-nasana.
Jathara = belly or abdomen.
Parivarta = revolving.
Asana = steady pose.
This wonderful posture will relieve tension in the lower back and gently massages some of the internal organs which will assist digestion and elimination.
This posture is also known as the reclining twist or Supta Matsyendrasna. It is a great posture for all levels and especially beginners as the body is well supported by the floor.
The lower back is a common area to hold tension so this posture is perfect for many as it gently eliminates tension through the lower back. It also opens the chest making it easy to breathe slowly and completely whilst holding this posture.
How to do Jathara Parivatanasana – The Belly Revolving Pose
There are a number of variations of this posture, when starting it is a good idea to lie on your back with your knees bent and the soles of your feet on the ground. Take the arms out to the sides so that they are level with your shoulders and soften the shoulders to the ground.
Inhale through your nose, as you exhale let your knees fall to the right and turn your head to the left. Hold for five or more complete breaths and then repeat on the other side.
To strengthen the core try drawing in your lower abdominal muscles to help move the knees.
Inhale as you exhale let your knees fall to the right and turn your head to the left. The next time you inhale draw your lower abdominal muscles towards your spine and lift your knees up and return your head to the starting position. Now exhale and let your knees fall to the left and turn your head to the right, inhale and draw your lower abdominal muscles towards your spine and lift your knees up and return your head to your starting position. Continue like this for ten or more complete breaths.
This blog article was written by Sue Fuller creator of the Yoga 2 Hear range of audio yoga classes and yoga teacher training courses.
