Twist Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800109

Supine Twist Supta Matsyendrasana

Knees dropping to one side while the shoulders stay grounded. The gentlest twist available and the standard closing shape before savasana.

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Supine Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana) — Twist Yoga Posture Illustration

Supine Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana) — Twist posture targeting Obliques, Lower Back, Glutes, Chest · Slow and even breath · Opposite hand drishti.

Vāta: Neutral (0) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Supta Matsyendrasana
Posture Family
Twist
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
90 seconds
Breath Pattern
Slow and even
Drishti (Gaze)
Opposite hand
Target Muscles
Obliques, Lower Back, Glutes, Chest
Energy Expenditure
1.6 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Supine Twist

Supine Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana) belongs to the Twist posture family and engages the Obliques, Lower Back, Glutes, Chest at an intensity of approximately 1.6 METs. Knees dropping to one side while the shoulders stay grounded. The gentlest twist available and the standard closing shape before savasana.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Slow and even throughout the 90-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Opposite hand to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Obliques, Lower Back, Glutes, Chest.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 3 years (24 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: Pacifies (-1) — 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

  • Disc injury

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