When you feel tired and weighed down by stress, a lack of exercise, and poor food choices, give your body and mind a reboot with a detox.
A detox doesn’t always mean a rigorous diet, juice fast, or ingesting a combination of nauseating herbs. You can detox through yoga too, with a practice that’ll leave you feeling cleaner on the inside and more energetic on the outside.
Give the following asanas a try and see the benefits for yourself.
Parivrtta Utkatasana (Revolved Chair Pose)
Bring your feet either hip-width apart or together (depending on your comfort level). Bend your knees as if you are sitting on a chair; make sure your knees are aligned with the center of your feet. Bring your hands together at the heart center and bring one elbow to the opposite knee, pressing your palms firmly together. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and open your chest wide.
Detox benefits: In addition to improving the health of the spine and vertebrae, this asana stimulates the liver, spleen, and digestive system, while toning the abdominals and improving the elimination process.
Garuda-asana (Eagle Pose)
Stand with your feet together and arms by your side, which is Tadasana or mountain pose. Draw your left foot upward, bending the knee as you lift it. Wrap the left foot around your right leg as you rest the back of your left thigh on the right thigh. Cross your arms at the elbows, left over right. Join the palms of your hands together keeping the fingers pointed upward. Inhale and hold the posture for the duration of the inhaled breath.
Exhale and return to the Tadasana pose. Repeat the posture on the opposite side, wrapping the right leg over the left and the right arm over left.
Detox benefits: In addition to stretching the ankles and calves, this asana stretches the thighs, hips, shoulders, and upper back. By firmly pressing the thighs together, deeper circulation is supported in the legs, which helps flush out the blood and lymph system.
Marichyasana (Sage Twist Pose)
Sit on the floor with both legs straight in front of you. Bend your left leg towards your chest. Rotate your torso toward your left knee. Wrap your right arm around the left knee, positioning the knee in the crook of the right elbow. After resting in this position for several breaths, swap sides and repeat.
Detox benefits: This yoga twist helps to stimulate digestion and remove the impurities of the body. As the abdominal organs are squeezed, the kidney and liver are stimulated. When the twist is released, blood then enters the organs.
It’s good to note that all asanas assist in the detoxification process. So if you feel inspired, play by your own rules, and choose your favorites. Wherever you are in the practice—whether you’re moving into advanced poses or you are a very beginner—enjoy yourself, and watch the benefits from detox happen naturally.
You can find the rest of the poses and photos here
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