5 yoga poses to help detox

The need to detox has become more important than ever. Why? Because we are facing record levels of environmental toxins, absorption of pesticides, side-effects from medication….and so many other factors that lead to a build up of toxicity in the body.

That toxicity can lead to a really wide variety of acute and chronic health conditions. Yoga alone will probably not save us, but it is a great addition to our tool box that supports our endocrine system, strengthens our digestion and improves our ability to relax and de-stress.

Here are 5 poses that particularly help us detox. These are 5 poses that you will regularly find in all our classes; from beginner to intermediate and beyond!

Wide legged forward bend

A great pose for opening up tight hamstrings, allowing your head to fall below your heart.This pose also reverses the pull of gravity, encouraging circulation of blood throughout the body. The folding motion squeezes the belly which also moves things along for digestion.

Modification: From wide-legged forward bend take the right ankle or shin with left hand. Reach up with your right hand towards the ceiling. Leaning back open your heart to the side of the mat. Take five deep breaths and repeat on the opposite side.

Revolved Chair Pose

This deep twist not only works the quads and glutes but also is excellent in aiding digestion as you feel gentle pressure on your kidneys, liver and spleen that stimulates the removal of toxins while toning your abdominal wall. It stimulates the heart, improving circulation of the blood, respiratory and lymphatic systems and relieves mental and physical sluggishness.

Three-legged downward facing dog

Holding your head below your heart and your leg lifted in the air encourages blood to circulate throughout the body, as well as move fluid to the lymph nodes. This pose can be very relaxing, which can help mental detox as well as releasing stress, fear and sadness.

Revolved Triangle Pose

This pose stretches and opens the chest, lungs, shoulders and spine increasing lung capacity. The revolved motion stimulates abdominal organs, aiding digestion and circulation, releasing stress and anxiety and energizing body and mind.

Spinal Twist

A twist will not only leave you feeling energized and focused, but will also give you mental clarity, relieve stress and deep tension and detoxify your entire system by primarily massaging your internal organs, encouraging the elimination of toxins. When you release your twist, fresh blood and nutrients rush back into your digestive organs, helping to nourish and support them. Stay in the twist for at least five deep breaths and repeat on the opposite side.