Twisting the spine is a terrific way to wring tension out of the muscles running vertically along each side of the spine. During a twist we shorten or compress the muscles on the side towards which we are turning (twisting to the left will compress the muscles on the left side of the spine), while lengthening the muscles on the opposite side of the spine. Twisting is also thought to be a detoxifying movement, as it squeezes the blood out of vital organs like a sponge releases liquid when wrung out. When the twist is released we envision the organs being bathed in freshly oxygenated blood. This is often referred to as the "squeeze and soak" method.