Specific yoga poses can help expedite the detoxification process. A yoga sequence involving heat and twisting postures can help move toxins and waste from your tissues and cells through your lymphatic and digestive systems so that they can be eliminated from the body. In addition, restorative poses, relax the nervous system and mind and help settle the body—which is especially important during and after a detox cleanse.
- Spinal Twists
- Back Bends
- Forward Bends
The ancient art of yoga is more than just another form of physical fitness; it is a lifestyle that encompasses a balanced and healthy diet, body and mind cleansing techniques, meditation, and spirituality. Certain asanas, or yoga postures, and kriyas, or cleansing exercises, help to facilitate internal cleansing. Used in conjunction with one another, regular asana practice and kriyas cleanse the body of toxins on an ongoing basis which help prevent illness and disease.
Spinal Twists
Spinal twists such as Ardha Matsyendrasana (half lord of the fishes pose), Bharadvajasana, and Marichyasana (sage pose), help to massage your internal organs, loosen waste in the intestines and encourage purging of toxins. Twists relieve constipation, digestive disorders, PMS and low-back pain. Twists also help to stimulate the liver and kidneys and increase agni (digestive fire).
Back Bends
Common back bend postures include Dhanurasana (bow pose), Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (bridge pose), Bhujangasana (cobra pose) and Ustrasana (camel pose). Back bends are important during cleansing periods because they help stimulate the abdominal and digestive organs. Back bends also stretch the muscles of the back and help to relieve tension. Back bends are excellent for relieving constipation, PMS, anxiety, and low-back pain.
Forward Bends
Forward bends are the complementary poses to back bends. Forward bending should be practiced before and after any back bend postures to restore spinal harmony. Common forward bends include Balasana (child’s pose), Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend), Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward dog pose), and Uttanasana (standing forward bend). Forward bends massage your internal organs and encourage elimination, and are often practiced to relieve constipation. Forward bends offer several additional benefits, including PMS relief, reduction of anxiety and stress, stimulation of the liver and kidneys and improved digestion.
