Bharadvaja's Twist Yoga Pose

Bharadvaja’s Twist Yoga Pose

overview

Bharadvaja’s Twist Yoga Pose is a seated pose that stretches the hips and shoulder and is ideal for yogis and yoginis of all levels.

manipura – the wisdom chakra

related poses

Revolved Camel Yoga Pose is a backbend pose that targets the quads and shoulders and is ideal for yogis…

Revolved Knee to Head IV Yoga Pose is a backbend, arm balance pose that targets the quads and shoulders…

Revolving Beam Yoga Pose is a backbend pose that targets the shoulders and chest and is ideal for yogis…

Pool Yoga Pose is a supine, reclined pose that targets the shoulders and abs and is ideal for yogis…

Upward Couch Yoga Pose is a standing pose that targets the hamstrings and is ideal for yogis and yoginis…

Upward Crescent Moon Yoga Pose is a standing pose that targets the lower back and shoulders and is ideal…

Upward Revolved Knee to Head Yoga Pose is a seated pose that targets the hamstrings and calves and is…

Upward Warrior II Yoga Pose is a standing pose that targets the inner thighs and lats and is ideal…

Warrior II Yoga Pose is a standing pose that targets the calves and is ideal for yogis and yoginis…

Low Lunge Yoga Pose is a standing pose that targets the hamstrings and quads and is ideal for yogis…

Compass Yoga Pose is a seated pose that targets the hamstrings and is ideal for yogis and yoginis at…

Eye of the Needle Yoga Pose is a supine pose that targets the inner thighs and hamstrings and is…

[yoga-sharrre]

[yoga-tags]

How To Do Bharadvaja's Twist Yoga Pose

Begin in the kneeling position, buttocks sitting on your heels. Sit tall, extending your spine upward.
Shift your weight to your right buttock and slide your legs to the left so both feet rest next to the left hip. The left ankle should be resting on top of the arch of the right foot.
Inhale and make sure you are sitting up in a way that lengthens the spine and torso. Exhale and slowly twist your torso to the right (make sure the left buttocks is still on or near the floor).
Brace your right hand behind your back. Rest the left hand on or tucked under the left knee. Continue to twist slowly.
Stay in position for 30 seconds to a minute. To come out, release the twist on an exhale and come back to the kneeling position. Repeat on the other side.

Notes

Breathe deeply through each step.
As with any twist, practitioners with spine and/or hip injuries should proceed with caution and have an expert on hand to guide them through the process.
Not recommended for those who suffer from low blood pressure, insomnia and/or diarrhea.

Tips

Sit on a small pillow or folded towel/blanket. This is not only more comfortable, but also encourages better posture.

Stretches & Strengthens

All Muscles: Hips, shoulders, spine
Target Muscles: Hips, shoulders

Health Benefits of Bharadvaja’s Twist Yoga Pose

Recommended for pregnant yoginis as it does not put any pressure on the belly and it strengthens the lower back — which has a lot of pressure on it the second and third trimesters.
Recommended for sciatica and lower back and neck aches.
Good for nervous system and digestion.
Massages inner organs.

Sanskrit Name & Meaning

Bharadvajasana

(bah-ROD-va-JAHS-anna)

Bharadvaja: a legendary seer to whom this pose is dedicated; skylark, planet Mars, bearing speed and strength
asana: posture

History & Mythology

Bharadvāja Bārhaspatya was the forefather of a family of composers that are credited with writing the Sixth Mandala of the Rigveda. The Rigveda is a sacred collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns, and is considered one of the four Vedas (sacred Hindu texts). There are 79 hymns in the Sixth Mandala and Bharadvāja Bārhaspatya reportedly composed 59 of them. The Bharadvaja family was extremely influential in their day. Kings would often consult them before going to war with neighboring tribes.

Research into the history and mythology of yoga poses is a daily commitment. If you have any information that may help us out, we’d love to hear from you.

GO TO TOP