Practising Neck Twists

Yesterday I talked about the importance of practising neck twists. They help perform Parshva Konasana, Markatasana, Vashishtasana, all konasanas, ardha chandrasana and a host of other asanas. This is since these named Asanas need the chin to be in line with the shoulder or beyond.

Warning: I thought I must issue a warning here. People with acute back pain, do NOT do the Vashishthasana or the Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana. You may however do the Supta Padangusthasana, or Uttanpadasana freely. These last two Asanas will help you get rid of the back pains. And once you have beaten the back pain, you can then do the above prohibited Asanas.


Salabhasana and Neck Twist Practice

The idea is to get the chin in the line of your shoulder. Hard work, but in the process one will strengthen the neck muscles, and as a corollary, drive away any possibility of a cervical spondylitis.

Procedure:

1. Lie on your stomach, arms to the waist, under the stomach, and palms down
2. twist the head to one side, so you are lying on one cheek

 

3. Now, inhaling, lift a leg.

I found that while lifting one leg the neck twist is achieved the most. And if you are raising the right leg, lie on your left cheek - you will find a tremendous pressure on your neck muscles in this way. Go on practising everyday. :).