Yoga focuses on stretching and compressing everypart of the body. The whole body is turned, twisted and upended which assists to keeping the waste removal departments of the body functioning well, eliminating lactic acid, carbon dioxide and lymphatic fluid from the deep tissues. Something that other forms of excercise just don’t reach: a jog for example.
The yogic breathing clears out carbon dioxide from the lung tissue, stimulates the organs of digestion and enables the diaphram to move more freely and as a result the abdominal organs are massaged and the lungs fully emptied with every breath.
Within yoga your awareness moves away from the the chaos of the mind – purging toxic thoughts and brings you back to the present moment. A regular sustained yoga practice helps eliminate the toxins that otherwise keep you from feeling your best.
Here are 3 simple detoxing poses:
Marchiyasana 3 (twist) Detox benefits: Squeezes the abdominal organs and stimulates digestion and elimination: Twisting your torso coils the organs that are vital to digestion. When you twist, blood flow is constricted to the liver, gallbladder, stomach, spleen and intestines, allowing newly oxygenated, clean blood to enter. Sit up tall with your legs straight. Bend your right knee and bring the sole of your right foot to the floor just in front of your right sitting bone. Rest your right hand on the floor behind your back for support. Reach your left hand up so strongly that your ribcage lifts up. Rotate your torso to the right and bring your left elbow to the outside of your right knee. Stay for 5 deep breaths, gradually and gently using the sensation of your left elbow pressing into to your right leg to encourage your torso to twist further to the right. Either look behind you, over your right shoulder or straight ahead, depending on what feels best to your neck. Repeat on the other side.
Downward facing dog: Detox benefits: Getting the heart higher than the head reverses the pull of gravity and aids in the circulation of blood and lymph. Also gently tones the abdomen, which stimulates digestion. Start on your hands and knees with the entire surface of your palms pressing into the floor and your toes tucked under. Slowly lift the knees and straighten the legs. Press equally into the hands and feet and lift your sitting bones up as you move the thighs back. Allow the head to hang. Stay for 5–10 deep breaths.
Legs Up the Wall Detox benefits: Bathes the abdomen in fresh blood, stimulating the digestive organs. Soothes the nervous system, allowing your body to shift its attention from warding off stress to daily bodily functions, including detox. Sit in front of a wall with your right hip and shoulder touching the wall. Bend your knees and roll onto your left side, so your feet and seat are touching the wall. Roll onto your back and extend your legs so that they rest on the wall. Either rest your hands on your belly or let your arms lie on the floor, palms up. Stay for at least 10 deep breaths.
To assist your detox you can:
Drink two (8-ounce) cups of Detox Tea- one in the AM and one in the PM.
Journal (it helps clear the mind and nourish the spirit).
Drink only purified water, but don't use it to wash food down with meals; drink fluids after a meal.
Aim for only organic foods.
Try a shot of pulsed parsley, cayenne, lemon juice and maple syrup in the morning.
Consider an essential fatty acid supplement.
Eat your last meal no closer than two hours before bed.
Eat all meals sitting down with no TV, computer or books. Breathe deeply and fully engage in what you are doing – nourishing your mind and body.
Justine Glenton
Justine has been practising yoga for 20 years. She currently teaches Ashtanga and Zen Yoga all over central London in leading health clubs, hotel spas, schools and fitness centres. www.yogawithjustineglenton.co.uk
