Twist Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800488

Chair Twist Kundalini Kundalini Spinal Twist

Seated with hands on the shoulders, twisting rhythmically side to side with the breath.

Practice Chair Twist Kundalini (Kundalini Spinal Twist) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
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Chair Twist Kundalini (Kundalini Spinal Twist) — Twist Yoga Posture Illustration

Chair Twist Kundalini (Kundalini Spinal Twist) — Twist posture targeting Obliques, Shoulders · With the breath breath · Varies drishti.

Vāta: Neutral (0) Pitta: Neutral (0) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Kundalini Spinal Twist
Posture Family
Twist
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
90 seconds
Breath Pattern
With the breath
Drishti (Gaze)
Varies
Target Muscles
Obliques, Shoulders
Energy Expenditure
2.2 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Chair Twist Kundalini

Chair Twist Kundalini (Kundalini Spinal Twist) belongs to the Twist posture family and engages the Obliques, Shoulders at an intensity of approximately 2.2 METs. Seated with hands on the shoulders, twisting rhythmically side to side with the breath.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain With the breath throughout the 90-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Varies to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Obliques, Shoulders.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 3 years (36 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Neutral (0) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Neutral (0) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 90 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Pregnancy

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Bound Deer Pose (Baddha Yin Mrigasana)

Deer Pose with the arms binding. The bind deepens the rotation or the opening considerably and demands shoulder range before the pose itself can be entered at all.