Detoxification of the body and the mind
You may want to know, How does our yoga practice help with the detoxification process?
To explain briefly, our major detoxifying systems are the kidneys, the liver, and the lymph systems.
Additionally, in the process, of our practice, the other organs responsible for elimination are activated which stimulate our metabolism, circulation, and rate of excretion. Heat is created which releases tension in the muscles especially important in the spine where the twists assist in carrying much need blood flow to the disks.
Our spinal disks can shrink over time due to dehydration, lack of movement, and circulation which often results in spinal instability and pain. Twists in particular, as noted by BKS Iyengar, create a squeezing and soaking process in both the spine and internal organs.
These actions serve to squeeze out old blood and flush fresh oxygenated blood to all these regions. In the process, this “flushing action” helps to move old dead cells, an important process for the continued health of our body.
When we practice restorative poses, inversions, and savasana, this gives us time to detox our busy minds, release thoughts and tensions. These poses give us much-needed space, relaxing our brain and putting us in a parasympathetic state of calm.
This sequence includes:
Sukhasana ( Easy Pose )
Prasarita Padottanasana ( Wide Legged Forward Bend )
Parsva Prasarita Padottanasana ( Twisted Wide Legged Forward Bend )
Urdhva Hastasana ( Arm Stretch Pose )
Uttanasana ( Forward Bend )
Adho Mukha Svanasana ( Downward Dog Pose )
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana ( Upward Dog Flow )
Adho Mukha Virasana ( Forward Virasana )
Bharadvajasana Variation ( Torse Twist Pose )
Dandasana ( Staff Pose )
Marichiyasana I ( Sage Twist Pose )
Virasana ( Hero Pose )
Parvatasana ( Arm Stretch Pose )
Bharadvajasana in Virasana ( Torso Twist in Hero Pose )
Upavistha Konasana ( Wide Legged Seated Forward Bend )
Marichiyasana III ( Sage Twist Pose )
Halasana ( Plow Pose )
Supta Baddha Konasana ( Reclining Bound Angle )
Savasana ( Corpse Pose )