FIGHT COLDS, SINUSITIS AND OTHER HEALTH ISSUES WITH NASAL CLEANSING

What is NETI and why should you do it?

Like tongue scraping - the purification technique I described yesterday in my blog post, Neti (Jala Neti) is part of the Ancient system of Kriya Yoga developed by yogis and sages with the intention of keeping their body healthy and their mind free of distractions on their path to enlightenment. While you may not be looking to reach the Nirvana just yet, you will greatly benefit from including Neti in your daily or weekly routine to experience its many physical and mental benefits. Simply put, Neti is 'nasal cleansing', a method used to keep the nostrils free from obstructions, thereby preventing both the development or worsening of colds and sinusitis but also allowing for the successful application of breathing techniques which are extremely useful not only to harmonizing both the physical and mental aspects of our personalities but also to achieving optimal health through the oxygenation of the entire body. As you may already know, it is essential that we breathe through our nose rather than our mouth. The reason for this is simple; our mouth was designed for eating and communicating while our nose is perfect for the regulation and transfer of air in and out of our lungs. Our nose warms or cool - depending on the need, and purifies the air to make it safe before it reaches the lungs. Following is a detailed presentation on the benefits of 'nasal cleansing' and some easy tips on how to do it effectively.

Benefits

Removes all the dirt and bacteria-filled mucus from the nostrils.

Helps to drain the sinus cavities. This in turn, will help to reprogram the body’s natural mechanisms against nasal infections such as hay fever, allergies, sinusitis and other upper respiratory complaints like sore throats and coughs, post nasal drip, inflammation of tonsils and adenoids.

Is beneficial for illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis as it reduces the tendency to breathe through the mouth by freeing the nostrils of mucus.

Has a cooling and soothing effect on the brain by drawing out excessive heat, and is therefore beneficial for headaches, migraine, epilepsy, temper tantrums, hysteria, depression and general mental tension.

Is of great benefit for problems associated with the eyes, as it helps flush the tear ducts, encouraging clearer vision and giving a sparkle to the eyes.

Can be beneficial for certain types of ear disorders such as middle ear infections, glue ear, and tinnitus.

Improves sensitivity of the olfactory nerves, helping to restore lost sense of smell, and thereby benefits the relationship between taste and the digestive processes.

Has subtle effects on the pineal and pituitary glands which control the hormonal system, which in turn has an harmonizing effect on emotional behaviors.

Affects the psychic center known as 'Ajna Chakra' - the third eye, which helps in awakening higher states of meditation.

Helps to stimulate the powers of visualization and concentration and gives a feeling of lightness and clarity to the mind.

Is excellent for those trying to give up smoking. Since it reduces the tendency for mouth breathing, Neti re-sensitizes the nose to the actual pollution of ingesting smoke, thereby de-programming the brain of the physical and psychological addiction.

Techniques

While the simplest method for nasal cleansing does not require any equipment but simply to snort water from cupped hands. It is not the most effective. If the water used is impure, it may also be detrimental to your health. Further, using water without any added salt can cause water to be absorbed through the vessels located in the nose which may add to your discomfort if you are already suffering from nasal congestion.

The application of saline solution or saline nasal spray is a simple alternative to remedy this, but unfortunately it is also relatively inefficient for washing away debris although it may suffice for simple rehydration of mucous and tissues.

A simple yet extremely effective technique that palliate the shortcomings of the aforementioned is to pour salt water solution into one nostril and let it run out through the other while the mouth is kept open to breathe, using gravity as an aid. This is the old yogic technique known as Jala Neti. For this technique, you will need a container - called a Neti pot, in order to administer the saline solution. Neti pots are traditionally made of metal, glass or ceramic, and rely on gravity alone, along with head positioning and repeated practice in order to rinse the outer sinus cavities. Some users are able to use neti pots without problems, while the sideways positioning of the head can induce vertigo in others (though this is rare). Here is what you will do:

Mix a teaspoon of natural sea salt with tepid water in a clean neti pot (3/4 of the way full)

Stand in the shower, bath tub, or simply above a sink for the duration of the practice

Tilt your head to the right so that it is horizontal (parallel to the floor)
Take a deep breath in and introduce the nozzle of the neti pot into your left nostril.

Leave your mouth wide open - so that you may breathe throughout the process (advanced practitioners may keep their mouth closed and hold their breath), and let the water run from the left nostril into and out of the right nostril. (Some water may come out of your mouth). Continue until the pot is empty. This may take 10 to 20 seconds.

Now, begin to close your left nostril and blow quickly and forcibly (not too hard though) through your right nostril until all water and impurities have been removed from your nose. You may need to help the complete removal of all water with a little dynamic sideway movement of your head. Repeat the same process on the other side, closing the right nostril and blowing out of the left.

Once both nostrils feel open and dry, begin the same process on the right side. Tilting your head sideways to the left, introduce the nozzle of the net pot inside your right nostril and let the water run in through the right nostril and out through the left in exactly the same manner as you did earlier. Repeat the waste removal and drying process on the other side.

If you feel like your nose is still stuffed with mucus and other impurities, you can repeat the process once or twice more on each side until you feel a sense of ease and openness in both nostrils.

At the end of the practice, you must dry the nostrils once more and ensure that all impurities have been expelled from the nostrils. In order to do that, bring your trunk to the horizontal position and closing one nostril at a time, breathe in and out quickly and successively through the open nostril 10 times in a row. Emphasize your exhalations so that you may expel all moisture from your nostrils. Repeat on each side.

With your trunk still titled forward horizontally, finish the practice with both nostrils open, breathing in and out quickly and vigorously through your nose until it feels perfectly dry.

Remember to rinse your net pot after and before each use.


Enjoy free breathing and the myriad of health benefits that come with it!
For more healthful tips and way to detox your body naturally, visit us at www.thesouthbeachdetox.com

Tongue scraping' - The Many Health Benefits & Technique

Tongue scraping' - Benefits & Technique

My past 2 blog posts emphasized the importance of scraping your tongue in order to both prevent disease or, heal faster, when already sick. Tongue scraping was performed by yogis long before tongue scrapers even existed. Back then, they simply used their fingers or twigs from Neem trees - which also offer many other benefits for oral hygiene. Tongue scraping was included as part of 'Kriya Yoga & shatkarmas', i.e. the purification techniques that form part of Yoga as it is performed by earnest spiritual aspirants. Through those techniques, yogis and sages intended to  keep their bodies healthy and pure because they knew that physical pains and ailments were the main root cause for mental disturbances. And without peace of mind, they knew that they could never hope to reach spiritual enlightenment. Whether you are after 'illumination' or not, you will greatly benefit from the ancient practices inherited from Kriya Yoga. Following is a short explanation on the benefits of scraping the tongue and some easy tips on how to do it effectively.

Benefits

In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth daily, scraping the tongue is an important daily routine to assure optimal oral and overall health. Using a tongue scrapper will dislodge bacteria, food deposits and other impurities which cause an unhealthy coating on the surface of your tongue and are later re-absorbed into the blood stream each time you eat or drink. Scraping the tongue will also freshen your breath and improve tasting foods. 

Technique

When choosing a tongue scraper, favor a stainless steel apparel. Always rinse your tongue scraper before each use. Scrape your tongue starting from the very back and moving towards the front. Scrape gently but firmly until the coat has disappeared or greatly subsided. You will know that you are finished when there is no remaining mucus substance on your tongue scraper. Be sure to rinse your scraper under warm running water after each sweep of the tongue. Scraping should be performed 3 times a day right after brushing your teeth following each meal. You may increase the frequency if you are sick or feel like you have large deposits on your tongue all the time, which will surely happen if you drink a lot of coffee, smoke, eat large volumes of dairy products or/ and processed foods.

Scraping your tongue won't treat the root cause for excessive deposits on your tongue and it is therefore a good idea to try and identify the root cause by looking at your food intake so that you may have a healthy looking tongue, reflecting a good state of health. That said, scrapping your tongue will most definitely lead to be an improvement in both your breath and health, or at least prevent any deterioration!

If you enjoyed this bog, keep following our posts on this blog, like our page, join our group and be sure to visit my website at www.thesouthbeachdetox.com where I cover detox tips and the most effective ways to holistic body and mind cleansing.

Enjoy your day and keep scraping…that tongue!

Tips For A Long Healthy Life: 'Healthful Resolutions: Breathing'

Tips For A Long Healthy Life: 'Healthful Resolutions: Breathing' 

Dr. Weil's Weekend Tips, January 22, 2011

Breathing slowly and consciously is the most effective way to combat stress, enter deep states of relaxation and awareness leading directly to spontaneous states of meditation, and to remain healthy and combat the onset of disease. For more, read below.  For specific breathing techniques to match your health objectives, be sure to visit us at www.thesouthbeachdetox.com or www.letloverule.us.

Simple breathing techniques offer a drug-free way to help lower your blood pressure, calm a racing heart or settle an upset digestive system. Proper breathing has direct influence on emotional states and moods. When you're upset, you breathe rapidly, shallowly and irregularly, but you can't be upset if your breathing is slow, deep, quiet and regular. At first, the effects are subtle, but they will gain

power the more you repeat them. Whether you want to address health problems or just relax and reduce stress, make this the year to learn and practice the most recommended breathing techniques.

The Need For Detox: 'Could it Really Be True: Only Four Days to a Healthier, Lighter, Happier You without Surgery, Harmful Drugs or Deprivation?'

Could it Really Be True: Only Four Days to a Healthier, Lighter, Happier You without Surgery, Harmful Drugs or Deprivation?

The revolutionary South Beach Detox ®, a four-day program of Yoga, Meditation and nutrient-rich, all natural supplements, brings proven weight loss, peace of mind and flexibility to people of all ages and all walks of life.

Miami, FL (November, 18, 2010) – With the plethora of dieting products and programs out there, it’s not surprising that most people would be distrustful of any program that claims to bring weight loss, improved health and peace of mind in four short days.  But that’s exactly what the revolutionary South Beach Detox® does.

The South Beach Detox® is a ground-breaking program that combines the benefits of Yoga and Meditation with the amazing health benefits of E3Live® products, a combination of super digestive Enzymes, superior Probiotics and nutrient-rich Greens put together to support this highly innovative detox program.  And if that wasn’t enough, participants are guided one-on-one by locally renowned Yoga Master and owner of Miami Yogashala, Fred Busch, and Alessandrina Lerner, director of The South Beach DetoxÒ programs at Miami Yogashala.

Busch and Lerner have been coaching individuals through The South Beach DetoxÒ in the U.S., South America, and Europe for almost a year and are now preparing for the imminent launch of the virtual South Beach DetoxÒ, a home-based version of the detox program which combines the same powerful elements but can be done in the comfort of the client’s home and for only half the price, making this high-end detox extremely attractive to all in a time of limited budgets!

Benefits of The South Beach Detox ® include increased energy, weight loss, strengthening of the immune system, regular bowel movements, mental clarity and, last but not least, personal transformation.  Users also report a better understanding of nutrition and thus a better relationship with food.  Roxanne, a business woman in Fort Lauderdale, reports, “The South Beach Detox ® program has changed the way I think about food…  The products used in the detox are fabulous, in terms of the way they make me feel, like how much stronger I feel when I take them.”

E3Live® has been touted by health professionals and users alike.  Dr. Baxter Montgomery of the Houston Cardiac Association uses E3LiveÒ in his disease reversal program specifically with cardiac disease and diabetes, and describes his own use of E3LiveÒ in the following terms, “Within a few days of starting to drink E3Live® our team noticed a leap in our stamina during workouts, an incredible boost in mental clarity and focus and a decrease in appetite.”

The benefits of Yoga and Meditation have been proven across the world for thousands of years now and the benefits of E3Live® have been confirmed by medical and health experts across the country.  By combining both of these and having your own personal “coach” to help guide you, a brand new start to a healthier, more peaceful and happier you is just four days away!

For more information visit: http://www.miamiyoga.com/detox.html. or

http://www.southbeachyoga.com/detox.html

Any statements and claims related to the South Beach Detox® and E3Live® have not been evaluated by the Food Drug Administration or any other federal health agencies.

About Miami Yogashala

Miami Yogashala, located in Miami Beach, is a holistic Yoga studio directed by renowned yogi Fred Busch.  Miami Yogashala offers over 40 classes per week as well as Teacher Training Certification courses and the highly celebrated South Beach Detox® program.  In an effort to bring Yoga and its benefits to inner city youth, Miami Yogashala will also be embarking on efforts to teach Yoga in public schools and train youth to teach Yoga to their peers.  More information about Miami Yogashala and its next Teacher Certification course which begins on September 11, 2010 can be found at www.miamiyoga.com

 
Contacts
Alessandrina Lerner, Director of “The South Beach Detox”, Miami Yogashala
(786) 308-9552
aleslerner@hotmail.com

The Need For Detox: 'Detox for a Sexier You'

'Detox for a Sexier You'

 Seattle Balanced Body, by Katherine Branigan, NTP, MSA

There is nothing sexy about bad breath, body odor and skin issues.  Detoxing is the way we can eliminate these.  It  cleans our bodies from the inside out.  It is also the way the body heals itself - an internal cleansing process that takes place continuously. Detoxification is the process of cleaning, nourishing, and resting the body.  That means more energy for play. Detoxification is not a new science. Purification processes have been around for thousands of years.  Techniques to enhance cleansing include fasting, special foods/diet, herbs, water, rest, meditation, exercise, and a variety of bodywork techniques.  Detoxification occurs on many levels.  Physically this process assists the body in clearing congestion, illnesses, and disease potential, while improving energy.  

Emotionally, detoxification processes help uncover feelings, especially hidden frustrations, anger, resentments or fear, each which can cause illness.  While spiritually cleansing, many people experience new clarity and/or an increased awareness about their purpose in life.  

Sometimes we want to both physically and emotionally runaway from life.  At this point most of us need to start with a physical detox, although emotional and spiritual are important components.  It is easier to identify the physical needs and stresses of the body. These stresses affect our ability to handle emotional stress and spiritual growth.  It can seem overwhelming, especially when the boss is on the rampage or even worse multiple co-workers or employees.  The body creates toxins when it is stressed or in polluted environments, like cities.  Are you tired of hearing all the problems with today’s life?  Well the truth is, your body produces toxins no matter what.  They can be from even the healthiest food we eat or cleanest air we breathe.  It is just a part of the way our body 

functions.  A healthy body can do a pretty good job of cleaning itself up.  It has done so for centuries.  The problem is two fold.  First most of us aren’t all that healthy and secondly we have so much exposure to unnatural toxins from man made comforts that we overwhelm our bodies.

So what can we do?  Focusing on a specific area of clean up is easier than attacking the whole thing at once.  I am sure there are areas in your environment that you can clean up; but, let’s focus on what we put in our body’s.  There are chemicals and additives in the food we eat.  The water supply is not the cleanest yet water comprises 60 % of our total body.  Drinking clean water equivalent to at least half our body weight in ounces will do a lot to help with detoxification as well as helping cut down on hunger.  It is common to mistake the need for water, as hunger.  Eating when we truly need water causes many health concerns, including aging.  A part of aging and toxicity is the body not digesting the food we eat and that creates more toxins and speeds aging.  So how do we slow down this aging and toxicity process?

Let me briefly describe how the body cleans itself up so you can understand the importance of the next step.  The physical body cleans things up in two phases.  Phase I detoxification uses enzymes (ex. cytochrome P450) to break down toxins into intermediate, yet often more toxic, metabolites.  At this point, some simple toxins are ready for elimination, such as caffeine.  However, most toxins require a second (phase II) cycle before they are neutralized enough for elimination.  At this stage these intermediate toxins or metabolites are actually more toxic because they are so volatile.  If not eliminated from the body in a timely fashion they can cause more damage than the original toxin.  These metabolites when properly bound are ready for elimination and exit the body through the: 

colon as feces, kidneys as urine, skin as sweat, lungs as carbon dioxide, cardiovascular system via blood, and lymph to be filtered.  If any of these exit paths are slowed or stopped, the body actually can become ill because these toxins are like poison to the body.  Because exercising is one way to help release toxins into the blood stream for elimination, this is why some people after exercising get a sick feeling.  As you can see drinking plenty of water to flush the body is essential for good health.  This is also why dehydration becomes such a serious toxic issue.  70% of the population is chronically dehydrated and don’t even know it.  Exercising to enhance sweating and circulation and increased water intake are two of the simplest ways to assist your body in detoxing.  

Exercising three to five times a week for a minimum of 20 minutes is great.  Other things you can do are: drink less caffeine containing beverages since they are diuretic, stop or cut down on smoking and alcohol consumption and reduce junk food and sugar intake.  

Improving the quality of your meals is a great beginning to the process of body detoxification.

Now let’s take detoxing to the next level.  Every one should make sure their digestion and general bodily functions are open and functioning well before doing an intense cleansing.  If the body is stressed with the daily build up, releasing trapped toxins could make things worse if the elimination channels are not open.  So if you do not have daily bowel movements, take care of that first.  It is a huge detoxification factor.  Only then are you ready to make serious changes in your diet and “clean out”.  Bowel movements can be 

increased through fiber or herbals.  If you have a history of slow transit time, see a health care professional.  This is a serious issue that is often the precursor for many diseases and allergies.

I recommend choosing a time to start detoxing when you can rest if necessary.  Usually a Friday or weekend is a good starting time, as the first couple days can be rough both emotionally and physically depending on your toxicity level.  The best way to start your first deep cleansing is to change your diet for 3-7 days.  Don’t try to fast on your initial detox.  Start by eating only fresh vegetables, fruits and brown rice.  Eat as much as you like.  Don’t go hungry.  You can steam or sauté your veggies.  The rice can be stir fried or steamed.  Use olive oil or flax oil (up to 2 T. daily ), vegetable and Celtic sea salt, vinegar, culinary spices, naturally fermented soy sauce or tamari, for seasoning.  I don’t recommend a fruit juice fast or the famous lemonade diet for a first detox either, 

as they can be very hard on the body.  If you want to use a detox protein powder to help you stabilize your energy, visit your health food store or your nutritional health professional to choose a quality product.  These powders can help you from feeling detox symptoms.  Also if you are on any medications or have other health concerns check with a health care profession to determine if there are any extenuating health concerns.

What are detox symptoms?  Possible reactions fall in three categories:  digestive reactions, such as diarrhea, allergy-type reactions, such as swelling, or rashes, or a healing crisis which is a flare up of the symptoms you are trying to fix.  These all can come on strong and then usually fade as the healing occurs.  This is phase 1 of detoxing, the release accelerated.  The phase 2 then cleans up the complex toxins.  Some common symptoms of phase 1 detox are: headache, fatigue, offensive body odor, hunger, sleep issues, bad breath, itchy skin, irritability, and increased gas.  You can see why a weekend is a good time to start.  Water, light exercise and plenty of rest are essential in supporting the body through this stage.  Taking antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E) can assist clearing toxins and help with headaches.  If your colon shuts down or slows take immediate action to relieve the bowels.  Remember these toxins you are releasing are poisonous to the body and need to be eliminated rapidly.

At this point you may be asking, “Why would I do this to myself?”  Increased energy, vitality and stamina, reduction of allergic symptoms, improved digestion, better concentration, increased sexual performance, mental clarity, sense of calm and ease, resistance to 

illness, slow aging, reduction of many chronic diseases and toxicity are some of the reasons.  So how do you know when enough is enough?  The key, according Dr. Elson Haas, is to individualize your program.  Look at the whole lifestyle picture to determine what you should do and for how long.  If you are unsure start slow and progress.  Some people start simply by making sure there are 12-14 hours of fasting from dinner to breakfast.  Others start by eliminating toxic foods either permanently or for the week prior to the bigger detox.  Once in a deep detox mode, when hunger returns, cleansing is done.

When returning to your normal diet, go slow.  Eat slowly, chew your food well and avoid processed or junk food.  Lifestyle changes are essential to maintain this new cleanliness.  So use this as a time to modify things.  It is better to detox slowly and as a lifestyle rather than hitting the body hard a couple times a year.  If you want to lose weight permanently, detoxing with life style changes is a great place to begin.   As always check with your health care professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.

The need for Detox: 'The South Beach Detox: Home-based, In-studio and Private Packages available'

'The South Beach Detox: Home-based, In-studio and Private Packages available'

Press Release, Saturday, November 6, 2010

If you want to improve your life in any way... eating smarter is a great way to start.  It is not easy to change your ingrained habits and patterns without a certain level of guidance.  That's why we created The South Beach Detox to not only give you a highly enjoyable and effective detox, but to also provide you with some extremely potent skills to live more attuned to your biology and thus receive the enormous benefits which come from wisdom in action.  The South Beach Detox will accomplish both a short term detox and a long term reprograming of any existing destructive patterns that can be easily transcended through increased awareness, enabling you to create your own bliss.  The South Beach Detox programs are the perfect combination of Food, Exercise, and Meditation to create the ideal environment for your body to rest, detox, and recharge.  Let us begin by defining what a detox is, why they work, and why you should choose the South Beach Detox as your preferred detox.

All Detox Programs operate under the principle that when we eat less, our digestive organs require less energy and thus a large amount of energy is liberated for use in more important directions, like cleansing and healing.  Different detox program yield different results depending on the extensiveness and effectiveness of their coverage.  The South Beach Detox is unique amongst other detox programs for several reasons.  First of all, The Sobe Detox utilizes a proprietary three pronged approach that creates a specific positive

feedback cycle virtually guaranteeing success and transformation.  Intelligent, Complete Nutrition, Exercise and Yoga, and use of Meditation and Awareness are the three components that feed on each other to create a snowball effect of positive transformation that can be experienced on every level of your being.  Most importantly you will learn how easy these skills are to perpetuate in your life after the detox.  Success in a detox can be measured by the feeling of contentment and well being you feel during and after you've completed the detox! You will enjoy the process of learning new things and feeling more peaceful everyday and experience this entire program as a blessing and a true opportunity to realize your intention.

For all details on the components of the South Beach Detox and other important information, be sure to visit our website at www.thesouthbeachdetox.com.

Tips for Detox: Detox Instructions for The SoBe Detox® Yoga Sequence

Detox Instructions for The SoBe Detox® Yoga Sequence 

Extract from "The South Beach Detox" Manual

Following find specific instructions and techniques for use during yoga and meditation practice to support your detox. The use of visualization and breathing techniques during these practices will maximize the effectiveness of detox benefits.  Be sure to place special emphasis on the cleansing process occurring at the level of the internal organs throughout.  For more details, refer to 'The South Beach Detox' manual.

a. General Guidelines for Detoxification 

1- Set an Intention for your detox as part of your opening meditation

2 -Take your detox yoga sequence to the next level with deep, meaningful breathing for sensory withdrawal, circulation of energy and increased detoxification both on the mental and physical level.

3 - Use the power of visualization to enhance your detox yoga sequence, i.e. improving the quality and effectiveness of your breathing and intensifying the benefits of your slow, deep and long breathing.  

4 - Use the healing power of charged words/ mantras (such as Om) to optimize the cleansing of both body and mind

b. Specific poses to focus on the detoxification process

Though all poses that are included in The South Beach Detox® Yoga Sequence help the process of detoxification, several poses are particularly beneficial to the detoxification process.  Detailed detox instructions and benefits for each of these poses are included in 'The South Beach Detox' manual.  During all the following poses, be sure to emphasize your use of visualization and deep breathing which used together create a powerful combination that enhances the benefits gained when holding these poses:

Hero—Often used in meditation, this pose is excellent for elimination.  

Child’s Pose—Of particular value for its restorative but also eliminative qualities when held for longer periods of time.

Sun Salutations—Both Sun Salutations A & B are extremely useful for general elimination and energy flow.  

Squat—Especially useful for the opening it provides on the physical level which mirrors itself on the mental level.

Lizard—Particularly useful for opening and release on the mental level of your detox

Twisting Triangle - A superior detoxifying pose.

Superhero/ Locust Series—Though not specifically detoxifying in themselves, with the right breathing and visualization, these poses have powerful detoxifying effects.

Peacock—As a "destroyer of disease", it is one of the most powerful detox poses.  

Hurdler—Useful for detoxification of internal organs.

Head-to-Knee—Particularly effective for the detoxification of the kidneys and adrenal glands.

Seated Spinal Twist—As with all twist, this seated twist is very beneficial for detoxifying the whole body. 

Pigeon— This pose plays a central role detox and release on the emotional level of your being.

Reclined Twist—Another easy yet extremely useful twist in the detoxification process. 

Shoulder Stand—A wonderful and safe inversion (even for beginners) that helps the detoxification process by regulating the endocrine system.

Fish—Another "destroyer of disease" providing superior detoxification to the body.

Relaxation—The most important pose of all, where the benefits of the whole detox sequence are integrated.  It is therefore essential to do—and really let go in—this pose.  This is the time for the body to receive, recharge and rejuvenate.  Detox awareness meditation can be practiced while in the relaxation pose, or in any other seated, comfortable meditative position of your choice (cross-legged or not).  Because rest is so important in the detox, it is recommended to practice the meditation lying down for ease and comfort.  For more on 'The South Beach Detox Awareness Meditation' program, refer to 'The South Beach Detox' manual.

Tips for Detox: Detox Your Body With Yoga

'Yoga to Detox Your Body: Deep Body Cleansing Yoga Exercise'

Extract from Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga is a powerful tool for cleansing both body and mind. The Kundalini Yoga exercise described below is excellent for cleansing your body of toxins and helps you to detoxify your entire system.  It can be added at the end of any Kriya - a cleansing technique - and should be done prior to the final relaxation period. This pose is officially a part of Kundalini Yoga Warrior Kriya, which is an advanced kriya that I will publish in the future, and it uses a powerful breathing technique to help purge and cleanse the system.  As with all yoga techniques, don’t overdo this exercise and build up your capacity slowly. This particular exercise will be part of the following 3 free e-books here on Mastery of Meditation, as it is a Hatha Yoga pose, a Kundalini Yoga exercise as well as a yoga breathing technique: Free Hatha Yoga Poses, Online Kundalini Yoga Exercises & Free Yoga Breathing Exercises E-book. One last thought before I jump into the details of this terrific pose.  I was once attending a yoga camp in upstate NY, where a Hatha Yoga teacher was teaching the class.  She asked us to do this pose and afterwards commented that she could immediately tell the Kundalini Yoga students apart from the rest, because they are absolutely not shy and seem to have no social inhibitions when asked to do yoga exercises that are a odd, weird, crazy or even downright embarrassing. I tell my students exactly that when I ask them to do any technique which is strange or embarrassing.  I remind them they are Kundalini Yoga students and Kundalini Yogis are fearless and have no inhibitions.  We do whatever is necessary to make spiritual progress.  So remember this if you feel uncomfortable doing the exercise below.  It is cleansing your system of garbage and toxins, don’t worry about how it looks, don’t hold back, just go for it! If you are not a Kundalini Yogi, feel free to add this exercise at the end of your yoga session or exercise routine to help cleanse your body of released toxins.

Yoga Exercise to Cleanse & Detox Your Body

Illustration #1 Detox Yoga Dog BOF

Illustration #2 Detox Yoga Dog BOF

Yoga Exercise to Cleanse & Detox the Body:

a. Instructions for practicing Detoxifying 'Panting Dog Breath of Fire':

• Yes the pose is called 'Panting Dog Breath of Fire'! 
• As illustrated above, sit up on your heels in Rock pose (also called Hero Pose), except lean forward slightly.  Rest your hands on your knees as shown. 
• Open your mouth wide and stick your tongue out as far as it will go.  Now begin to pant like a dog.  Remember what I said above and don’t hold back.  You are a Kundalini Yogi, just stick your tongue out and pant like a dog.  All the breathing should be taking place through the mouth. 
• Emphasize the exhalation, and with every exhalation your stomach should be contracting in towards your spine sharply (similar to Kapalbhati Yoga Pranayama in this way).  The pace should be fast, just like a tired dog panting. 
• If you feel a metallic taste emerging on the back of your tongue, this is toxic heavy metals being release and cleansed from deep within your tissue, keep going!

b. Duration for Detoxifying 'Panting Dog Breath of Fire':

• 1 - 5 minutes.  If 1 minute is too much you can start with 15 seconds and build up from there as well.

c. Benefits of Detoxifying 'Panting Dog Breath of Fire':

• Detoxifies and cleanses your system of garbage, toxins and heavy metals.
• Strengthens and tones your abdominal muscles.
• Builds your respiratory capacity.
• Promotes good health and longevity.

d. Practice Tips for Detoxifying 'Panting Dog Breath of Fire':

• Like I mentioned above, you can add this exercise at the end of any Kundalini Yoga Kriya.  It helps your system purge itself of any toxins that have been released into the blood stream as a result of the Kriya.
• After doing this cleansing exercise, I also recommend drinking plenty of water once your yoga session is completed, to further help wash out any released toxins.
• Given the amount of pollution in our air and water, we can’t afford not to incorporate 'Panting Dog Breath of Fire' into our routine from time to time.  It really will help cleanse and detoxify your entire system.

Tips for Detox: Detox Your Body With Yoga

Detox Your Body With Yoga

Extract from the Free Community Website 'Squidoo"

There are many methods to detoxify our bodies. One method is the practice of yoga. You might benefit from a Yoga Detox program if you've been feeling sluggish and out-of-sorts for awhile, or have been experiencing digestion problems, extra aches and pains, or skin problems.

The practice of yoga asanas (postures) can help us detoxify the body to bring us to better health. Our body has its own natural detoxification mechanisms for getting rid of waste products and environmental toxins, but sometimes it's not up to the task of eliminating these toxic materials entirely. A yoga detox practice can help us assist the body in cleansing itself, which will help us feel lighter, healthier, and more energetic again.

Contents of this article at a Glance

• Practice This Twist and Detox Yoga Seque...
• Yoga Assists Our Body's Natural Detoxifi...
• Yoga Twists

• The Twist Marichyasana 3
• Forward Bends
• Wide Leg Standing Forward Bend

Practice This Twist and Detox Yoga Sequence From YogaJournal.com 

Practice along with this 20 minute Twist and Detox Podcast from YogaJournal.com to get ideas for a good sequence to help detox the body and the mind. The poses in this sequence help to open the back in preparation for backbends and for deeper twists. The sequence will aid your digestion and help you develop mental clarity. Later in this article there's also a Gentle Yoga Detox Sequence if you prefer something a little quieter and easier. Also scroll down for a few short videos that show how to do a few specific poses that will assist with your own yoga detox program.

Yoga Assists Our Body's Natural Detoxification Processes 

The body has its own systems that work to eliminate waste products and toxic substances. Three of these systems are the:

1. Circulatory system: Pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen to and carrying waste products away from the cells of the body.

2. Digestive system: Processes food, separates nutrients from waste, and eliminates what the body doesn't need.

3. Lymphatic system: Intracellular fluid is moved throughout the body, transported to lymph nodes where harmful constituents are removed, such as bacteria or other contaminants, before the lymphatic fluid is returned to the bloodstream. Lymph moves around based on how much we move around. The only way to ensure proper lymph circulation is through exercise or massage.

These systems work well on their own in a healthy body, but if we don't eat well, don't get enough exercise, or if we're stressed, then these systems don't work as efficiently. This results in a build-up of toxic material which can leave us feeling physically and mentally sluggish and sick. The practice of yoga is one of the methods that supports the functioning of these systems. 

A well-rounded practice of yoga postures systematically stretches, twists, compresses, and "upends" all parts of the body to help eliminate impurities from different organs and to allow oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood to flow through the organs. A few of the benefits of this practice over time, include more energy, mental clarity, better sleep, better digestion, clearer skin, fewer aches and pains, and less illness. Below are a few of the categories of yoga poses, and how they assist the body's natural detoxification systems.

1. Yoga Twists - "Squeeze and soak" the abdominal organs

I think Yoga twists are the most important poses to aid the body in detoxification. Yoga twists stimulate digestion and facilitate the elimination of impurities and waste products from the body. Circulation of blood and of lymph is also promoted. Think what happens when you wring out a sponge -- the dirty water is forced out, and then the sponge can soak up clean water again. Twists work in a similar way. The abdominal organs are squeezed during twists, stimulating the kidneys and liver, and forcing out blood filled with metabolic by-products and toxins. When the twists are released, then fresh, clean blood enters these organs, bathing the cells in nutrients and oxygen. Twists have a cleansing, refreshing effect on the abdominal organs and the associated glands.

(Example) The Twist Marichyasana 3  - This is a nice, relatively simple twist that will help you to stimulate the liver and kidneys.

Yoga Twist Sequence for Beginners : Marichyasana 3 Pose for Yoga Twist Sequence

by expertvillage | video info: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk45dCPQBoM

2. Forward Bends 

Forward bending poses are also good ways to compress the abdominal organs. The digestive system is stimulated, helping with the elimination process.

(Example) Wide Leg Standing Forward Bend 

This video gives good, clear instructions for this standing forward bend. Standing forward bends are often more accessible than seated forward bends, especially for beginners.

John Schumacher Teaches Prasarita Padottanasana

by ihanuman | video info: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJGvClXXffM

3. Yoga Inversions 

Upside down poses

Any inverted pose, such as headstand, shoulder stand, or a simple "legs up the wall" pose helps to drain accumulated lymph fluid from the legs and re-circulate it through the body. This benefits the immune system. Inverted poses also help to soothe the nervous system and reduce stress. When we're not stressed, it's easier for us to choose healthier choices for our bodies (including good diet and exercise) which promote the body's natural detox efforts.

(Example) Simple Inversion -- Legs Up the Wall Pose 

This is a very easy yoga inversion (legs higher than the heart). Fluids that have accumulated in the legs during the day are re-circulated back to the rest of the body. Also the abdomen is bathed in fresh blood, which stimulates the digestive system.  This is also a wonderful pose to "de-stress" after a long day!

Legs up the Wall

by sagerountree | video info: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLDO5ovOes4

4. Detox Yoga Sequence

Online video with Esther Ekhart

Get rid of toxins and reduce sluggishness with this gentle yoga detox sequence.

Watch:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow02So1-pew

5. A Well-Rounded Yoga Practice Will Help Detox the Body 

General yoga videos - instead of "Yoga for Detox" videos, are often more useful overall in presenting a well-rounded practice. A well-rounded practice will help you detox while also stretching and strengthening the body and calming the mind.  Check out Fred Bush's Yoga videos, all of which have the intention of detoxification in mind @ www.miamiyoga.com.  Other useful videos are available @ www.yogajournal.com

Tips for Detox: How To Detox Your Body With Yoga

How to detox your body

Excerpts from Detox Blog

Following are various articles dedicated to detox in all its aspects.  They cover nutrition, health, exercise, and other dimensions of the detoxification process.

Yoga Poses For Body Detoxification

How yoga poses may affect your body’s natural detoxification process is simple to understand once we can come to an idea as to what is involved in the detox process itself first.  There are several processes and organ systems that your body uses to detox on a daily basis.  These systems were designed or created in your body to help you filter out what your body needs for nourishment and growth and eliminate the toxins and unnecessary waste products.

The organs and tissues that are involved in body detoxification are contained within three main systems in your body:  circulation, digestive and lymph.  As your blood flows and is pumped through your arteries and capillaries, it is constantly exchanging oxygen and other nutrients with your cells and tissues and taking back the waste by way of your veins.  This system keeps the flow of nutrient and waste in harmony within your body.  The veins then send the blood through your liver and ultimately is filtered again and the waste ends up leaving through urine or feces.  Your lymph system collects or drains the intracellular fluid where it can be dealt with by way of your immune cells and ultimately dumps into your veins for the final filtering just described.  Then, to follow with this body detox process, the digestive system then is necessary to absorb larger nutrients, electrolytes and water mainly through the colon and eliminate the rest through your bowels as feces.  You really couldn’t design a better “how to detox” program if you had to write it yourself.

How Yoga Poses Work With This Natural Detoxification Process

There are several ways in which we can assist our body in this toxin elimination process it goes through each day.  It isn’t that it doesn’t work, we just have very high demands for the modern way we live our lives.  Any assistance we

Spinal twists are great poses to assist with your body detoxification.

can provide our body with the detox process is that much better for our health and well-being.  Many types of exercise are great to assist your body with one main aspect of its natural detox mechanism which is breath.  Your lungs are a major organ responsible for a big part of the detox process.  The following are simply a few detox yoga poses that assist the major systems previously described.

First of all, consider the spinal twist.  It has many variations, consider Marichiyasana 3/Marichi’s Twist or Ardha Matsyendrasana as suitable asanas (poses/postures).  It is based upon the idea that the twisting motion, combined with full deep breaths, assists your body in gently squeezing and moving the toxins through your body – like gently squeezing and wringing out a sponge.  Photo Credits

A second pose is often referred to as a resting pose in many yoga fitness traditions.  It is called Adho Mukha Svanasana  (downward-facing dog).  This is a well-known pose by name and has many benefits.  One of the benefits as we are describing here is with circulation and lymph flow.  Also, by the nature of your position, it is also a gentle abdominal stretch and digestive aid.  Photo Credits

Finally, Viparita Karani, the pose that is easier to call legs-up-the-wall is a good one for detox purposes.  Again, by opposing gravity, the flow of circulation and lymph is enhanced.  Additionally, as you rest on your back, it soothes your nerves and allows your body to go into a parasympathetic mode rather than the daily fight or flight, stress response mode it may typically be in.  All three of these yoga poses for detox can be done in a sequence or practice that can be done daily.  The benefits of your yoga practice will also enhance your mental and emotional well-being, another important aspect to the detox process.

Tips for Detox: Detox Your Mind, Detox Your Body

Exercise Is A Wonderful Body Detox Technique

If you are considering a detox, you probably have a specific reason in mind.  Maybe your goal is to lose some weight or just firm up a bit.  Some people do a detox for strictly health reasons and feel lighter and more clear mentally after they have done a colon cleanse.  Another popular reason to do a body detox is to simply remove the accumulation of toxins in one’s cells and tissues.  In other articles, we have discussed how many aspects of a detox are involved from diet to detoxing your mind.

The focus of this article is to address another component of the physical body aspect of detoxing, which is exercise.  You see, what you put into your physical body in the way of foods and drink or even medicines, pollution and commercial agricultural by-products is only one aspect of what needs to be addressed.  Sure, if you are constantly eating processed foods, soda/pop, and other refined food products then you have an obvious source of toxins entering your body.  If, on the other hand, you simply eat commercially grown fruits, vegetables and take some prescribed medication, you may not be aware that there are potential toxins accumulating in your body from that as well.  This is by no means a case for you to stop taking your medications to live on a water fast alone.  The point is that there are toxins that exist in our environment and are entering our bodies in a variety of ways.

What Type of Exercises Help With A Body Detox?

Running is great exercise to help with your body detox.

The key point to be made with exercise is that any is a good thing.  It doesn’t require an expensive or exclusive gym membership or fancy machine to get the kind of exercise necessary to detox your body.  Since one of the main forms of natural body detoxification is through your sweating, this is what you’ll need to produce more of.  So, exercise that causes your heart rate to increase and your body to heat up is what is most important.  However, you can also get a lot of benefit from having your breath rate increase as well.  It is really not possible, to any large degree, to have one without the other, it just deserves mentioning.  This is because your lungs are another natural source for detoxifying your body.  Cleansing breath and breathing is becoming a lot more common language.  It involves breathing in the nose deeply and out the mouth fully.  It can sound something like wind entering your nostrils and then a “haahhhhhhh” sound as you exhale.

There is no specific how to detox exercise book or manual.  You just need to use your body feedback as a rule.  Running, cycling and other traditional forms of cardiovascular exercise could be used for detox purposes, but you don’t need to really push yourself.  In another type of exercise, like yoga, specific poses and postures are known to have detoxing benefits for your colon and internal organs.  For example, postures that involve spinal twists, downward dog and legs up the wall are great yoga poses for detoxifying your body.  With all of the forms of exercise mentioned, it is critical that you are consuming adequate amounts of water that may be much more than you are used to.

the Benefits of Physical Exercise and Fitness: 'Why Yoga is the Best form of Exercise for your Body'

'Why Yoga is the Best form of Exercise for your Body'

Power Yoga Blog - March 29, 2010

Yoga is an ancient science geared towards bringing both body and mind to a state of perfect balance.  While the ultimate goal of yoga is spiritual in nature, practicing yoga yields tremendous benefits on the physical, mental and emotional level of the practitioner. Looking back at the roots of Yoga, it appears that the original practices originated in India around 5,000 years ago and were perfected over time in an effort to provide the perfect combination of physical and mental practices that would ultimately bring vibrant health, strength, longevity, and stress-free living to its practicing adepts.  No other physical discipline is as complete and holistic or brings such impressive results as yoga does.  That's why Yoga has endured the test of time, transcending scores of generations, governments, cultures and religions in order to offer its benefits to all people throughout the ages.  Because Yoga understands that individuals have distinct physical and mental compositions (personalities) and are therefore attracted by different disciplines and sources of entertainment for their mind, it has adapted and given birth to many branches which cater to different groups of personalities.  Some people may have a more physical approach while others may prefer mental activities, yet, others will be drawn to more emotional pursuits while some are very spiritual in nature.  Whichever type of Yoga fits your personality is the Yoga you'll practice with more ease and enjoyment and which will yield the most powerful results in terms of your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.  This is exactly what the ultimate goal of Yoga is, i.e. the union with all aspects of yourself on all levels of your being, and it is not as difficult as you may think.  In the West, the primary focus of Yoga has been on the physical aspect and benefits of this system and there is nothing wrong with that.  After all, spiritual masters themselves say that ‘your body is a temple' and you cannot neglect it without negatively effecting your health and overall well-being. The Asana branch of Hatha Yoga which entails all the physical postures of yoga primarily focuses on keeping a clean, healthy body and mind so that you can thrive on all levels of your being and truly enjoy life, light and carefree.  In order to achieve the best possible results, Asana Yoga blends focused breathing and deep concentration with physical poses. It joins breathing, moving and thinking together. The benefits of yoga are extensive.  Many books have been written on the subject and but none can give a fully exhaustive list of all the advantages brought about by the practice of yoga.  Typically, an Astanga Yoga practice includes poses dedicated to engage every cell of your body, heart, kidneys, liver, eyes, bones, brain, nervous system. It is, beyond comparison, the epitome of perfect exercise programs that is essential to complete health. Oxygenating the entire bodily system is one of the greatest benefits of vigorous exercise and the deep, regular breathing inherent in any Yoga practice strengthens and increases the lung's capacity of the practitioner. Astanga Yoga is by far the best, most complete form of exercise.  With each practice, your body’s muscles and bone fiber become stronger as you perfect each pose.  Further, unlike popular belief, yoga practices also include a cardio element, especially Astanga Yoga.  Astanga Yoga sequences are systematic and strengthen every muscle in the body, including the heart. If you practice Power or Astanga Yoga for just one hour a day, you will get as much ‘cardio' as if you had done a work-out at the gym.