Where a twist actually turns
The lower back turns about five degrees. That is the whole budget.
Explain why a twist is mostly not happening where it looks like it is happening.
Rotation is shared unevenly along the spine. The lower back turns very little because of the way its joint surfaces face.
The middle back, with its ribs, turns more, and the neck turns most of all. Revolved Triangle, Twisted Chair and Supine Spinal Twist make this turning relationship visible in three different bases.
Standard Triangle is the contrast: its defining trunk action here is lateral flexion rather than axial rotation. Much of what looks like a turning spine can also include the shoulder girdle sliding around the rib cage.
A visible turn is shared
The pose may look like one twist while turning is distributed across several regions.
This is a simplified learning diagram. It is not a reviewed anatomical illustration.
Revolved Triangle Pose
Open Revolved Triangle, Twisted Chair and Supine Spinal Twist. Compare where the pelvis, ribs and shoulders point. Then open standard Triangle and identify its lateral bend without calling it a twist.
Sit facing forward and turn to look behind you, then notice how much of the turn came from your head and shoulders.
Notice: Very little of it came from your lower back. It turns about five degrees and no amount of willingness changes that.
This is noticing, not instruction. Move as little as you like, stop at any point, and watching instead of moving is a complete way to take part.
Can you say why the lower back contributes so little to a twist?
Pause before opening Practice. Say the distinction in your own words.
How much of this turn is spine, and how much is shoulders on ribs?
Breath and movement material here is study language, not instruction or therapy. Every invitation is optional: move as little as you like, stop at any point, and watching instead of moving is a complete way to take part. Do not prescribe breath holds, retention or bandha practice.