Detox and Yoga
Yoga is an inexpensive tool to help eliminate toxins from the body, whilst clearing the mind of unnecessary clutter.
Detoxing has a positive effect on the entire being, it will help to shred any extra pounds, speed up the digestive system, increase motivation, improve joint mobility and circulation, clear and focus the mind, strengthen the immune system and increase feelings of positivity and vitality.
Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years as a means of purification. Ancient Yogis believed that once the body and mind are free from toxins then the journey into self- realisation could truly begin. Toxins that are stored in the body and mind are referred to as Ama by the ancient Yogis. Ama includes undigested food and waste matter. To remove excess Ama, the internal fire Agni needs to be ignited. Yoga postures combined with pranayama can help stimulate this internal fire so that toxins and other impurities can be slowly removed from both body and mind.
There are three main systems that are required for the removal of toxins; the digestive system, the circulatory system and the lymphatic system. Yoga postures and techniques enhance the functioning of all of these systems and stimulate every part of the body helping to move waste and other unwanted substances out of the body swiftly and effectively.
The digestive system processes the food we eat, separating nutrients from waste and eliminating anything the body doesn’t need. Yoga asanas (postures) and vinyasas (flowing sequences) stretch, twist, fold, compress and massage the digestive organs keeping them working efficiently.
The circulatory system pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen to and carrying waste products away from the cells, it also maintains and regulates the temperature of the body. Breathing exercises known as pranayamas stimulate the circulatory system helping it function efficiently.
The lymphatic system helps rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted substances. To function efficiently the lymphatic system requires muscular contractions, such as those created by yoga postures and pranayamas.
Engaging in a regular yoga practise will provide a natural and healthy detox for both body and mind.
This blog article was written by Sue Fuller creator of the Yoga 2 Hear range of audio yoga classes and yoga teacher training courses.
