Yoga for glowing skin: Part 4

Ardha Matsyendrasana provides a deep spinal twist, stretching the muscles of the back and calming the nervous system. The twisting action applies pressure to the abdominal viscera, improving digestive health and eliminating toxic impurities from the internal organs, consequently bringing an external glow.

Procedure:

• Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you, and your feet together. Rest your hands on the floor behind you, keep your back straight. Fold your right leg beneath you, bring the foot around to the left buttock and keep the outside edge of the foot in contact with the floor.

• Cross your left foot over your right knee and place the foot flat on the floor outside the knee.

• Place your left hand about one foot behind the buttocks in line with the spine.

• Inhale and pass the right arm over the left knee, exhale and take hold of the left ankle with the right hand. While using your right arm as a lever, exhale more and slowly twist to the left simultaneously turning your head to look over your left shoulder.

• Stay in the pose for one minute with normal breathing. Repeat the pose by interchanging the position of legs and twisting to your right side.

Benefits:

• Tones the spinal nerves and ligaments, releases tight muscles along the spine, and relieves muscular spasms.

• Stimulates the digestive system and cleanses the internal organs.

• Regulates the secretions of the adrenal glands, liver, pancreas, spleen and benefits the kidneys.

Caution:

• People suffering from peptic ulcer should only practice under expert guidance.

• People with a hernia, slipped disc or sciatica should avoid this posture.