If you haven’t been eating a healthy diet, or maybe a device has captured too much of your time, or perhaps you've remained in an unhealthy relationship well past its prime, taking a break from (or completely letting go of) these things can do wonders for your well-being.
Oftentimes, a detox (or a fast) is helpful for jumpstarting a new way of being. Some programs suggest that we drink only juice or abstain from certain foods. Other programs may include a comprehensive nutrition plan, which includes taking supplements to support eliminating waste. And some detoxes require us to completely disconnect from the outside world for serveral days. No matter what plan you choose, incorporating yoga into your daily routine is a wonderful way to support your journey!
What is a Detox?
Simply put: good stuff in, bad stuff out...We create space for nourishment and healing by clearing out the waste and toxins. - Melanie Salvatore-August
According to researchers at The University of Chicago Medicine, a detox is the process of removing toxins from the body, which is ultimately the responsibility of the liver and other organs. This type of body-centric detox supports weight loss and overall physical health. However, a detox can also include eliminating other "toxins" such as negative people, unhealthy environments, overconsumption of social media, and beliefs that are no longer aligned with our life path.
When we make a conscious decision to eliminate any toxin from our life, our amazing brains rewire through a process called "neuroplasticity". We can literally change our minds simply by doing something different on a regular basis!
Benefits of Detoxing (and How Yoga Helps)
There are many benefits to detoxing, some of which are outlined below:
Our immunity gets a super boost.
Our skin is revitalized. Hashtag "Team Glow"!
Our minds will be clearer and we will feel better about ourselves.
Our energy increases, a lot. Like, ALOT.
We, ahem, "express" more (because, you know, everyone poops!)
We will be less likely to answer texts from that toxic ex.
With benefits as amazing as these, choosing to detox sure sounds like it's worth a try. But make no mistake: successfully changing our habits requires dedication and will power.
Calling YOGA to the stage!
Practicing yoga in conjunction with a detox of any kind will support the rest/digest response of our parasympathetic nervous system. Engaging in a light yoga practice (for at least 30 minutes) helps our bodies release powerful "feel good messengers" such as endorphins (natural painkillers), serotonin (natural sleep aid) and dopamine (natural mood booster). Furthermore, placing our bodies into certain positions aids digestion, supports expansion of the lungs, and helps our lymphatic system drain more efficiently.
Supportive Yoga Practices
There are three areas of yoga that we can call upon to help support our detoxification journey. The first is detox-specific poses, the second is through breath work, and the third is through practicing mindfulness through stillness. Combining all three of these yogic practices will transform our bodies, our minds and our relationship with ourself and others.
Those of us who are new to yoga, or mindfulness, may not know where to begin. In her book Yoga to Support Immunity, author, yogi and transformation coach Melaine Salvatore-August encourages us to "focus on what is easy to integrate and feels good as the foundation to build your daily practice on." Start slow, one breath at a time, and build up to incorporating a few poses a day.
Detox Asana (Poses)
When selecting a flow, look for one that is a blend of Hatha i.e. active yoga (we can't just lie in savasana and expect to eliminate waste) and Yin, which includes a good dose of spinal twists and staying in most poses for a few minutes. We should also include one to two poses that encourage lymphatic drainage, like Legs Up the Wall and Headstand.
You can find a sample sequence here, or check out these easy to follow flows:
Pranayama (Breathing Techniques)
One of the aims of yogic breathing techniques is to equalize the airflow of the nostrils...Equalizing the flow of breath calms the mind, and in states of deep meditation, this equal flow is evident. - Swami Rama
The yogi sage Pantanjali is credited for introducing the world to the classical yoga text "The Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali". These sutras are the most commonly referenced text on yoga, making Patanjali “the father of yoga” in the eyes of many. As discussed in The Sutras, one of the 8-limbs of yoga is called "pranayama", which involves controlling the breath in varying styles and lengths.
There are many different forms of yogic breathing; some are fairly simple, some require a bit more practice and combine breathing with using bandhas, which means "breath retention". Essentially, the goal of pranayama is to connect the body and mind. It also supplies our bodies with oxygen while removing toxins.
Beginner's Breathing Techiniques
Dhyana (Meditation)
When oil is poured from one vessel to another, one can observe the steady constant flow. When the flow of concentration is uniterrupted, the state that arises is dhyana (meditation). - B.K.S. Iyengar
Making the decisoin to eliminate certains foods, substances, harmful habits or relationships from our lives is a beautiful way to embrace self-care. Incorporating meditation into our daily routine encourages us to take a step back and re-assess what we may have been experiencing before the detox.
When we practice meditation, we become fully aware of everything in the present moment. We become mindful of our consciousness without trying to judge it or change it. By doing this, we are quieting our mind and allowing ourselves a glimpse at some of the ways we have been operating.
Lastly, meditation helps us to accept our actions/reactions by looking at our past behaviors in a new light. This mindful view reduces stress and gives us a sense of inner peace and happiness. The more we meditate, the better we will become at staying in the present moment.
One of my favorite (and free!) resources for guided meditations is Insight Timer. I also welcome you to listen to my Guided Meditation for Self Love.
Having a daily yoga practice aids in the detoxification process by activating our detox systems, boosting our metabolism and encouraging excretion. Yoga also supports our will power when we decide to shift away from anything that harms our well-being.
Hopefully the information shared here motivates you to start, or continue, practicing yoga and mindfulness on a regular basis.
Light and Love,
Ondi
Author's Note: Please do your research and consult with a licensed health professional before starting a detox that is aimed at eliminating toxins from your body.
*This article was heavily inspired by the book "Yoga to Support Immunity" by Melanie Salvatore-August. To discover more of her work, please visit her website here.
