The ancient art of yoga is more than just another form of physical fitness; it is a philosophical practice that encompasses proper diet, cleansing techniques as well as spirituality. Certain asanas, or yoga postures, and kriyas, or cleansing exercises, help to facilitate internal cleansing. Used in conjunction with one another, regular asana practice and kriyas continually cleanse the body of toxins and can help prevent disease.
Spinal Twists
Spinal twist poses such as Bharadvajasana (gentle twist), Ardha Matsyendrasana (half lord of the fishes pose) and Marichyasana (sage pose) help to massage the internal organs, loosen built-up waste in the intestines and encourage the internal organs to purge toxins. Therapeutically, twists are used to relieve constipation, digestive problems, PMS and low-back pain. Twists help to stimulate the liver and kidneys and increase agni (digestive fire). Digestion and elimination are important processes for effective internal cleansing.
Back Bends
Common back bend postures include Dhanurasana (bow pose), Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (bridge pose), Bhujangasana (cobra pose) and Ustrasana (camel pose). Back bends are important during cleansing periods because they help stimulate the abdominal organs. Back bends also stretch the muscles of the back and help to relieve tension. Therapeutically they are used to relieve constipation, PMS, anxiety, backache and to stimulate digestion.
Forward Bends
Forward bends are the complementary poses to back bends. They should be practiced before and after back bend postures to balance the spine. Common forward bends used for internal cleansing include Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward dog pose), Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend), Uttanasana (standing forward bend) and Balasana (child's pose). Forward bends also massage the internal organs and encourage elimination. They are often employed to address constipation, especially following overeating. Forward bends offer several benefits, including relieving anxiety and stress, relieving symptoms of PMS, stimulating the liver and kidneys and improving digestion.
Kriyas
Kriyas are cleansing methods used by yogis to cleanse the internal organs, including the sinuses, lungs, stomach, liver, intestines and colon. Neti is the method used to cleanse the sinuses. It involves using a neti pot to flush the sinuses with a mild saline solution. Next, kapalabhati, a breathing exercise, is used to cleanse the lungs and blood. It is practiced by forcefully expelling air through the nose and inhaling again, using short, quick breaths. Lastly, Nauli and Basti are methods of flushing the colon and intestines using enemas or other irrigation techniques to purge the bowels of built-up waste. Kriyas are powerful internal cleansing practices practiced regularly by serious yogis.
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