How to Perform Each Pose for Maximum Benefits

After exploring the benefits of yoga therapy for detox, it’s time to dive deeper into the specific poses that can help you cleanse your body and mind. Here’s a follow-up blog featuring the detox poses from our previous post, with detailed explanations on how to perform each pose correctly.

1.  Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose)

How to Do It:

1. Sit on the floor with your legs extended.

2. Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the outside of your left thigh.

3. Bend your left knee and tuck your left foot under your right hip or you can leave this leg straight.

4. Inhale and lengthen your spine.

5. Exhale and twist your torso to the right, placing your left hand or elbow on the outside of your right knee.

6. Place your right hand on the floor behind you with the heel of your hand pressed against your lower back.  Push down on the floor to add some space in your spine to be able to twist deeper.

7. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then switch sides.

Benefits: This pose massages the internal organs, stimulates digestion, and helps detoxify the liver and kidneys.

2.  Parivṛtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose)

How to Do It:

1. Stand with your feet about 3-4 feet apart, with your right foot pointing forward and your left foot turned slightly inward.

2. Extend your arms out to the sides at shoulder height.

3. Inhale and lengthen your spine.

4. Exhale and reach your left hand down to your right foot, while extending your right arm up towards the ceiling.

5. Twist your torso to the right, keeping your spine long.

6. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then switch sides.

Benefits:  This pose enhances circulation, improves digestion, and aids in detoxification by stimulating the abdominal organs.

3. Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)

How to Do It:

1. Lie on your back with your legs together and arms by your sides.

2. Inhale and lift your legs up towards the ceiling, using your core muscles.

3. Place your hands on your lower back for support, and lift your hips and lower back off the floor.

4. Keep your legs straight and together, with your feet pointing upwards.

5. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then slowly lower your back and legs to the floor one vertebrae at a time.

Benefits:  This inversion pose promotes lymphatic drainage, improves circulation, and supports the body’s detoxification processes.

4.  Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

How to Do It:

1. Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you.

2. Inhale and lengthen your spine.

3. Exhale and hinge at your hips and press from your lower back to reach forward.  Extending your hands towards your feet and your belly towards your thighs.

4. Keep your back long and avoid rounding your spine.

5. Hold for 1-2 minutes, breathing deeply.

Benefits: This pose stimulates the liver and kidneys, aiding in detoxification, and calms the nervous system.

5.  Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)

How to Do It:

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor.

2. Bring the soles of your feet together, allowing your knees to open out to the sides.

3. Place your hands on your belly or by your sides, palms facing up.

4. Close your eyes and relax in this pose for 5-10 minutes, breathing deeply.

Benefits:  This restorative pose activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and supporting the body’s natural detox processes.

We hope you find these detailed instructions helpful in your yoga detox journey! Share your progress, experiences, and any tips you have for performing these poses in the comments below.