Twists are a trademark of yoga. When I ask kids what they imagine when they think of a yoga pose, they will invariably remark about “getting twisted up like a pretzel.” These poses are a lot of fun, as well as have tremendous benefits. Referred to as “squeeze and soak” by B.K.S. Iyengar, because they compress the internal organs, pushing out stagnant blood and toxins. Then, when you release, fresh blood floods these organs with oxygen and other nutrients necessary for health and healing. My naturopath, herbalist Grandma would assert, “Old toxins out. New fluids in.” Twists definitely stimulate circulation providing a cleansing and refreshing effect on organs and glands. In addition, they help maintain and restore normal spinal rotation, working the obliques, abdomen, hips, and rib cage.
One way to use twists in the school setting is between subjects. Take a few moments to perform a twist, being sure to work both sides of the body equally. This will have the same affect as wiping a blackboard clean. When you are finished, your mind and body are ready for a new subject to focus on and integrate.
Washing Machine Pose
- Sit cross-legged
- Cross your arms over your chest, hands at opposite shoulders
- Twist left and right like a washing machine agitator as you huff out “swish, swish, swish” from side to side
- Follow this up with Dryer pose by rolling your arms in front of you, fast for dry and slow for fluff
Yogamint describes how to do a kundalini inspired version of this pose that is guaranteed to clean out stagnant energy bringing health and vitality to the body/mind.
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Great picture. I love doing a variation of this pose in my kids classes, although with all the front loading washers, I’m not sure if the kids will know what it is anymore! Sometimes we pretend it’s a sprinkler. Anyway this is a popular pose in my classes.
I have always loved this pose – and so do the kids. We do it a little differently by putting our hands up on our shoulders to turn ourselves into sprinklers. Pssh, Pssh, Pssh back from side to side. Love it – thanks!