Blessings Gentle Reader, hello and welcome to today’s post. I trust you are well and as you read you feel rested, relaxed and inspired to try out some of the yoga poses offered to improve your health.
Today, I would like to introduce you to seven simple yoga poses you can do at home to help care for your body as you detox.
Before we begin, let’s do a brief recap.
For the past few weeks, my blog posts have focused on the benefits of detoxing and ways yoga can help you break unhealthy eating habits, so you feel healthier, more alive and well. We looked at the importance and benefits of going on a detox, three common mistakes to avoid whilst detoxing, different types of the Liver Flush drink and how to choose the right detox programme for you.
When I first thought of the “yoga detox” theme, I didn’t realise how much you need to know to have a positive detox experience. The relationship between what we eat, how we eat, what, when and where and the effect on your body and health, is a fascinating subject. I hope this mini series has wet your appetite (bun intended:)) to find out more about how you can improve your sense of well-being through yoga and your diet.
Seven Simple Yoga Poses To Gently Cleanse And Refresh Your Body
I have chosen the following seven yoga detox poses as they are basic yoga poses, don’t require any special equipment and you can easily do then anywhere you have a clear floor space..even on your bed if you don’t have a quiet space!
When Is The Best Time To Do These Yoga Exercises?
Ideally, first thing in the morning is the best time to stretch, cleanse and mobilise the body. If you are pushed for time, it is better to choose one or two of the poses and spend 3-5 minutes to relax, focus, enjoy the stretches and feel good about yourself, rather than skip the routine or worse-rush mindlessly though them.
Warning!
Although the seven poses are easy to do, please consult your Doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions. Take your time when you practice this simple yoga sequence. Listen to your body and remain soft in the poses as you breathe slowly and deeply into the base of your spine.
The routine is designed to stretch and tone, stimulate and balance and increase flexibility of the spine, back and ribs; and cleanse and massage the internal organs responsible for healthy digestion.
Yoga works from the inside out, so even if you are not on a detox, and have no inclination whatsoever of doing one, give the poses a go. You will be pleasantly surprised at how rejuvenated and motivated you feel, which may even kick-start you into thinking about trying a day detox.
OK, let’s start…
1. Easy Seated Pose
First of all I encourage you to start the sequence by sitting in a comfortable seated position, take a deep breath in and out through your nostrils. Slowly notice what you notice about your thoughts and sensations in your body as you allow your thoughts to settle. In this space, give thanks for your health and set your intention for a wholesome and nurturing practice.
2. Cat Pose.
Kneel on all fours with your arms straight and your back parallel to the floor (like a tabletop). Breathe in, lift your head and allow your waist to lower towards the floor. Keep your arms strong and straight. Hold this position for 3 – 5 breaths then slowly hunch your back and let your head relax down and gaze between your knees. Keep your palms flat on the floor and arms strong as you try to get your chin towards the top of your chest. Stay in this position for 3 – 5 breaths and slowly return your body back to centre with a flat back. Repeat the movement 3-5 times, then position yourself yourself for the Downward Dog Pose.
3. Downward Facing Dog.
From Cat Pose, keep your hands pressed flat against the floor beneath your shoulders. Tuck your toes under and breathe in. As you breathe out, lift your hips and stretch your legs, keeping your heels down. Keep pressing your palms into the floor. Relax your shoulders but keep your arms strong. Stay in this position for 3 – 7 breaths. Slowly come out of the pose and return to the Cat Pose and then rest in the Child Pose.
4. The Child Pose.
Sit on your heels and stretch your arms in front of you to open your shoulders. Rest your forehead on the floor. Relax your face and rest your eyes. Gently breathe for 3 -5 rounds of deep yogic breathing. Slowly place your hands by your side with the palms upwards. Breathe gently and relax.
5. Two Knee Lying Spinal Twist
Lie flat on your back and rest the soles of your feet flat on the floor, your knees bent up. Slowly, bring your bent knees to your chest and place your arms out to your side, at shoulder height. Breathe out and keeping both knees together, twist your knees and hips to the right side as you turn your head to the other. Place your right hand on your knees and gently focus on breathing deeply in to the base of your spine and through your ribcage. Take 3-5 rounds of deep breathing. Exhale, right your head and knees to the centre. Rest for 3-5 breaths on your back, noticing what you notice, then repeat this twist on the opposite side. Return your body to the centre and hug your knees to your chest.
6. Hug Knees to Chest.
Lie on your back and slowly hug your knees to your chest. Keep your head flat on the floor and gently breathe as you squeeze your knees toward your chest. If you feel comfortable, gracefully lift your tail bone up from the floor as your hug your knees. Take 3 – 7 rounds of steady breaths. Sometimes it helps to gently make small circles with your knees or roll along your spine this pose. Slowly return your feet back to the floor.
7. Savasana.
End your session with the best yoga pose – Savasana. Lie on your back with your legs stretched out straight along the floor. Have your arms a few inches from your side, palms up. Tuck your chin in and make sure your lower back is comfortable; you can place a small cushion under your knees to support your back if necessary. Close your eyes and allow your whole body to relax. Stay in this position for 3 – 5 minutes. Slowly stretch your body, roll over to your side and take 3 gentle breathes before coming up to a seated position.
Smile! How Do You Feel?
I’d love to know how you feel after practising this yoga sequence. Share your thoughts and sensations in the comment box below and if you would like to receive more yoga tips and suggestions to reduce stress, and feel healthier, subscribe to my email list and I would be delighted to support you feel healthier and well.
Feel free to share this post with loved ones and friends and to follow me over at Twitter and join in the thriving community tweets.
Stay blessed and thanks for being you.
Images, with thanks: Easy Seated Pose, Cat Pose, Child Pose, Savanasa from myyogaonline, Two Knee Spinal Twist from myyogaonline and Downward Dog from Mr Thamas, all via flickrr.com
hi Ntathu, I haven't done my yoga stretches in the morning recently. I blame the cold winter and dark mornings (or my own laziness!). Now the sun's shining and I'm reading your blog, it makes me realise I'd like to begin each day again with some yoga stretches. Thank you, Sally
That's lovely Sally..I am so excited for you. Have you a routine you follow? Enjoy. And thanks for commenting.