Some yoga teachers describe the benefits of twisting poses in terms of wringing and rinsing the internal organs.

Julie Gudmestad, physical therapist and yoga instructor, presents the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar in a column about twists. (http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/817)

"Indian yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar describes twists as a "squeeze-and-soak" action: The organs are compressed during a twist, pushing out blood filled with metabolic by-products and toxins. When we release the twist, fresh blood flows in, carrying oxygen and the building blocks for tissue healing. So from the physiological standpoint, twists stimulate circulation and have a cleansing and refreshing effect on the torso organs and associated glands."

I appreciate twists.

I feel invigorated in a twist.

I believe that practicing twists over time will lead to better spine health and stronger abdominal muscles.

I embrace the notion of the cleansing nature of twists at least as metaphorical; as a way to understand that the mind/body efforts of yoga are beneficial in both measureable and immeasureable ways.