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There are three main
systems of the body that play a crucial role in the elimination of wastes — circulatory, digestive and lymph. The circulatory system pumps blood
throughout the body, delivering oxygen to and carrying waste products away from
cells. The digestive system processes the food we eat, separating nutrients
from waste and eliminating anything the body doesn’t need. And the lymphatic
system collects intracellular fluid from throughout the body and transports it
to the lymph nodes where anything harmful (such as bacteria or other
contaminants) can be removed before the lymphatic fluid is returned to the
bloodstream.
It’s a robust system
that works well on its own. But in order to help your body keep up with the
heavy demands our stressful lives and nutrient-poor modern diet place on these
systems, the trick is to give your body an assist so it can perform its natural
detoxing function. And yoga is an
ideal companion.
How
yoga facilitates cleansing
Most forms of vigorous
exercise stimulate all three systems of elimination to some extent, thereby
helping the body in its quest to cleanse and detox. But yoga, with its focus on systematically
stretching and compressing every part of the body, is particularly well-suited
to keeping the waste-removal departments of the body functioning well.
In a well-rounded yoga
practice, every part of the body is pushed, pulled, twisted, turned and upended.
This facilitates the removal of waste products such as carbon dioxide, lactic
acid and lymphatic fluid from the deep tissues and extremities of the body that
a run or a bike ride just don’t reach."
Controlled breathing
also plays an important role in promoting detoxification. “We have as many bad habits in breathing as we do in every other area of our
lives. Sitting with poor posture impedes the lungs from inflating fully, and
our chronic state of low-grade stress often leads to a clenched diaphragm—the
parachute-shaped muscle at the bottom of the rib cage that assists in
breathing. As a result, we don’t take in as much life-sustaining oxygen when we
inhale, or expel as much of the potentially hazardous carbon dioxide when we
exhale.
Controlled breathing helps clear out carbon dioxide from
the lung tissue, stimulates the organs of digestion and can, over time, retrain
the diaphragm to move freely. And when the diaphragm moves with its natural fluidity, the
abdominal organs are massaged and the lungs are fully emptied with every breath
— not just the ones you take on the yoga mat.
Clear
mind, clear body
In addition to its
physical benefits, yoga aids in mental
detox as well. “When we’re in a
state of stress, fear or depression, that attitude creates a sensation in the
body. Doing yoga helps purge toxic thoughts by teaching you to move your
awareness away from the chaos of the mind and back to the present moment. That
practice is not a basic component of other fitness pursuits.”
As a result, a regular yoga practice helps you eliminate the tangible and
intangible toxins that could otherwise keep you from feeling your best. Here
are three poses that are particularly suited to aiding detoxification or to
help you kick off a natural body cleanse.
Yoga
poses to detoxify the body
Marichiyasana 3 (Marichi's Twist)
Detox benefits: Squeezes the abdominal organs and
stimulates digestion and elimination.
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 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 On The
Wall
Detox benefits: Encourages circulation of blood and lymph from the feet and legs.
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.
Offering private yoga sessions in South Beach, Miami, North Beach, Sunny Isles, Bal Harbor, and Aventura. Classes available at your home/office, over-looking the beach, or in one of our yoga studios.
