Does Practicing Yoga Help Cleanse the Body?

Yoga is an ancient practice with many modern health benefits, such as improved circulation and breath capacity, and many practitioners believe it even detoxifies the body. During a yoga class, the body moves into a variety of postures that many practitioners believe can help to cleanse and detoxify, such as folds and twists to trigger the digestive system and cleanse the organs. It is believed that through inversions and sweating, the body is further purified, by moving toxins around and out of the body. Although there are no specific scientific studies about toxins being released or how these poses might release the toxins, many believe overall improvement in circulation and breath capacity can help improve health.

  1. Twists

    • Twists are thought to help wring out the organs.

      Twisting postures are thought to help cleanse the body by wringing out the organs and releasing tension in the spine. When the organs are wrung out, the toxins built up are thought to be released and worked out of the body, leading to overall better health. When tension is the spine is released, the energy centers and nerves are believed to be able to move more freely into the body. To perform a simple twist, sit cross-legged. Wrap the right leg over the left. Wrap the left arm around the right knee. With a long spine, twist to the right. Hold for five to 10 breaths. Switch legs and arms and repeat on the opposite side.

    Forward Folds

    • Forward folds aim to release toxins and stimulate the digestive system.

      Forward folds are thought to help compress the organs, triggering the digestive system and squeezing out toxins built up in the organs. Folds are also helpful to fight and release air bubbles, or gas, in the digestive tract. To perform a simple fold, stand with the feet together. Lengthen the spine and hinge forward from the hips to fold down. Draw your head in as close to the shins as possible. Hold for five to 10 breaths.

    Inversions

    • Inversions circulate the lymph fluid out of the legs and back through the rest of the body.

      Inversions are believed to help cleanse the body by recirculating the lymph fluid from the feet, back through the rest of the body. The also take pressure off of the legs and allow these muscles to rest. Inversions are poses such as shoulder stand, headstand and handstand. To perform a shoulder stand, lie on your back and reach the legs overhead. Bring the hands to the lower back as you lift the legs towards the ceiling. Hold for five to 10 breaths.

    Sweat

    • Heated or vigorous yoga classes can cause the body to sweat, which releases toxins and cleanses.

      Sweating is one way the body clears toxins from the systems. Yoga classes can help you move the body, which brings the core temperature up and induces sweat. To increase sweating during yoga, try a heated yoga class or a Vinyasa, flow, class that brings the heart rate up.