How to Apply the Inner Spiral Principle in Anusara Yoga

You can learn inner spiral in mountain pose or by lying in big toe or corpse pose.

Anusara yoga uses many principals to bring that all-over tingly feeling. One of those is the inner spiral. While it may sound like it’s about twisting your body into a helix, it’s really just about the thighs. You can apply the inner spiral principal in Anusara yoga with the following steps.

Things You'll Need

• Yoga mat or other flat surface
• Foam yoga block (optional)

Instructions

1. Stand in mountain pose and begin to clench your inner thighs until you feel them pull inwards and towards the wall behind you.

2. Help the motion along by using your hands to actually twist the muscles in the direction you wish them to go so you know what you’re aiming for.

3. Help the motion along by using your hands to actually twist the muscles in the direction you wish them to go so you know what you’re aiming for.

4. Make sure you are applying the inner spiral properly by placing a foam block between your upper thighs, about three inches below your groin area and hold with the inner spiraling motion. Act as if you are trying to push the block through your thighs and out behind you.

5. Release the inner spiral and the foam block should loosen or drop.

6. Counterbalance the inner spiral of your thighs by practicing the outer spiral of your calf muscles.

Tips & Warnings

• Anytime your legs feel like they are giving out, see if applying the inner spiral principal helps.