The Shiva Twist yoga pose has an interesting history. Hindu mythology records that the Shiva Twist pose was first performed by a yogi who had lived for 12 years in the belly of a fish. During this time the yogi listened, secretly, to special yoga instructions in an ocean cave. After returning to land from the belly of the fish the Shiva Twist pose is the pose he developed from his eavesdropping.

The Shiva Twist yoga pose requires a yoga mat, comfy and loose clothing, and a calm room that is quiet and peaceful.

• To open the pose you will sit on the yoga mat. Sit on your heels while keeping a good posture.
• Slowly move your buttocks to the left of your heels with your knees bent. Your bottom should be on the yoga mat.
• Slowly bring your left knee up while your right foot stays on the floor, flat. Slide your foot over to the outside of your left knee.
• The next step is the Torso Twist. You will twist your torso toward the right and put you right hand on the yoga mat just behind your right hip. Your palm should be flat on the yoga mat.
• Slowly lift your left arm straight into the air.
• Slowly lower this same arm until your elbow is on the outside of your right knee. You can keep your elbow bent or hold onto your right ankle.
• Turn your body as far as possible. You should not feel stress or pain in your neck, shoulders, knees, or legs. Do not allow your neck to become tight.
• Keep your body in this position for five breaths.
• To close or release the Shiva Twist pose you will remove your left elbow away from your knee and untwist your body.
• Next, repeat the Shiva Twist on the other side of your body. Start with your bottom on the yoga mat just to the right of your feet. This opening is the exact opposite of the previous opening. Slowly move your left foot to the outside of your right knee, again using the same slow movements as before. Hold the pose for five breaths and release the pose.

Current yoga instructors do not tend to believe the fish belly story but it makes for an interesting tale to share with their yoga students.