Yoga for Body Cleansing

It may sound unusual, but it’s a fact – regular yoga practice can have a positive impact on the body in terms of cleansing it of waste and toxins. Just think about how many pollutants are in the very atmosphere we all breathe. Especially in ecologically disadvantaged areas, many people suffer from chronic respiratory diseases. Besides the lungs and respiratory system, the skin suffers, many complain about the condition of their hair and overall well-being. All this can be explained by toxins accumulating in the body, and it’s time to get rid of them. And yoga for detoxifying the body is just the perfect solution in this situation.

Detoxification is undoubtedly beneficial for the body, especially for the body of a future mother:

• sleep and digestion are normalized;
• hormonal balance is achieved
• weight decreases;
• appearance improves;
• mood improves;
• vitality appears.

Where to start cleansing?

First, determine how much the body needs cleansing and how many toxins have accumulated at the moment: this can be noticeable by the condition of the skin, presence of bags under the eyes, general well-being, diet, presence of chronic diseases, and frequency of sudden colds. Sometimes it’s enough to perform bowel cleansing procedures, and the body feels rejuvenated, but sometimes that’s not enough. Body cleansing and yoga should always go hand in hand or be considered together. Because the impact of yoga on the body is based on how prepared it is for asanas. In ancient times, yogis were even prohibited from starting certain practices without first undergoing cleansing rituals.

When we talk about body cleansing, we mean not just washing in the bath or shower, although even in such cases a person seems to cleanse their mind and emotionally prepares for a new day. Experts say there are six cleansing techniques. They are called Shatkarma (“6 actions”) or Kriyas (“cleansing”).

What is included in the “6 actions” for cleansing?

• Basti: colon cleansing with an enema – it can be dry or water-based. It helps relieve constipation.
• Neti: cleansing of the nasopharynx with saline or a special catheter. It helps rid the respiratory system of dust particles and mucus.
• Dhauti: cleansing of the digestive tract. It helps with troubling gastrointestinal tract, digestive disorders, indigestion, or unstable appetite.
• Nauli: cleansing of the abdominal organs, performed by tensing first the left abdominal muscle, then the right, and then the middle. Repeat this several times. This exercise helps improve digestion and normalize the menstrual cycle.
• Tratak: cleansing of focus through eye exercises. During the exercise, you must look at one point without blinking – this trains concentration.
• Kapalabhati: a cleansing of the lungs through breathing. Take a calm inhale and sharp exhales.

Of course, it’s not feasible to do these procedures frequently, nor is it necessary. The body has the ability to cleanse itself by activating internal mechanisms. Frequent practice of cleansing exercises with incorrect technique may not have the best influence on the body’s yoga practice.

What exercises can be done for daily body cleansing?

Here are some procedures that won’t take much time but will help cleanse the body of stagnant phenomena. By the way, these exercises are quite suitable during pregnancy and even when preparing for pregnancy.

• Ashwini Mudra: in a sitting position, draw in the muscles of the anus and perineum on the inhale, and relax them on the exhale. This exercise promotes the health of the excretory system.
• Vrajan Pranayama: while walking outside, inhale for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 6 – this is most convenient to do during a walk, as you can count breaths and exhales in time with your steps. The exercise is aimed at cleansing the respiratory system.
• Jala Neti: rinse the nose with water, this process has a popular name “cuckoo.” It helps to remove dust from the nose and nasopharynx, and is also very effective for a runny nose.

These practices can be done at home independently, but more complex ones, like the “6 actions,” are better done under the supervision of a specialist or after consulting with a doctor.

If you perform simple cleansing practices daily, combining them with prenatal yoga poses, you can experience your pregnancy comfortably and in a good mood.