5 Yoga Poses to Detox for Spring
Spring is steadily approaching, and with that comes the promise of new beginnings, fresh perspectives, and the opportunity to hit the restart button on our daily lives. Most of us view the warmer weather and longer days of early spring as the ideal time to declutter, cleanse and detox our personal life and space. You might find yourself donating old clothes, cleaning your home, or even trying a new diet on for size. But this excitement for a clean slate can also be transferred onto your yoga mat. Yoga provides the perfect place to cleanse, detox, and restore your body as well as your mind. Consider adding these 5 poses to your next practice for a total body reset.
Three-Legged Dog
Yoga inversions like the traditional downward-facing dog generate increased circulation by placing your heart above your head. This allows your body to rinse and rejuvenate your lymph nodes while releasing tension in your spine. For an added bonus, try your downward-facing dog with one leg raised and hips squared to improve the flow of blood from the tips of your toes to the ends of your fingers.
Seated Twist
Twists are regarded for their ability to improve digestion and release built-up tension in the spine. Simply sit down with one leg straight and the other knee bent. Gently grab the bent leg with your opposite hand and twist your body to look over your shoulder. You can enjoy a counter twist by rounding your back and reaching both hands to the floor beside your straight leg. Repeat on the other side.
Camel Pose
This pose is the perfect move to open up tight hips while increasing blood flow through your chest area. Begin in a kneeling position with your hands placed as if they were in back pockets. Rise up and slowly tilt your hips forward while allowing your head to fall back. Breathe in deeply and feel the expansion across your chest.
Wide-Legged Fold
In this dynamic posture, you can allow your neck and shoulders to completely release while increasing circulation and deeply stretching tight hamstrings. Start in a standing position with your feet spread wide apart. Bend over at the hips and stretch all the way down to your mat. Allow your head and arms to feel heavy as you take several rounds of deep breaths.
Child’s Pose
Finally, this beloved pose is the ideal way to relax both your body and mind. Gently sit down on your feet with your knees bent. Reach your arms out long in front of you and relax your torso over your thighs. You can even rest your forehead down on your mat for deep reflection. Stay in this restful pose for as long as you need.
While we find ourselves drawn to clearing the unnecessary clutter from our lives, remember to honor your body and your mind with yoga postures that promote overall detox and improved well-being.