Managing Detox Systems

The body can be somewhat dehydrated in the morning.

Overnight, while you're sleeping, your body still loses water through natural processes like breathing, sweating, and urine production. Since you aren't replenishing these losses during sleep, you can wake up slightly dehydrated, even if the environment isn’t particularly warm.

This is why it’s often recommended to drink water in the morning, especially before activities like yoga, to rehydrate and prepare your body for movement. Hydrated tissues, muscles, and joints function better, making it easier to stretch and engage in physical activity.

Hydration also plays a vital role in the body's waste management systems, which directly supports our asana practice. Our practice includes poses that promote kidney and liver health, key organs involved in detoxification.

In our opening sequence is the Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana). This gentle pose compresses the abdomen, giving a light massage to the kidneys and liver, helping with detoxification and hydration. It also encourages deep breathing, which supports lymphatic flow.

We also include seated twists, which are fantastic for massaging the kidneys and liver. These twists compress and release the abdominal organs, stimulating blood flow and encouraging lymphatic drainage. (Twists practised later in our Abdominal Sequence offer similar benefits.)

Our standing sequence begins with Palm Tree Pose (Tadasana). Although seemingly simple, standing tall with deep breathing helps activate the lymphatic system. The deep diaphragmatic breathing encourages lymph fluid to circulate, drawing it towards the thoracic duct at the base of the neck. In fact, most poses in our gentle standing sequence support the body’s detoxification organs.

Gentle twists in this sequence also help massage the kidneys and liver. By compressing and releasing the abdominal organs, they promote blood flow, detoxification, and lymphatic drainage.

Our spinal sequence features Cat-Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana). This pose stretches and contracts the abdomen, massaging internal organs and promoting circulation. The fluid motion of the spine encourages lymphatic drainage, helping mobilise fluids throughout the body.

In the closing abdominal sequence, we practise Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani). This pose facilitates lymphatic drainage from the legs to the heart and neck area, reducing fluid retention and promoting circulation. Inverting the legs allows gravity to assist in moving lymph fluid, making this a simple yet highly effective pose for enhancing lymphatic flow.

These poses focus on stimulating the kidneys and lymphatic system without requiring intense flexibility or strength—in fact, this is true for our entire daily practice. They allow the body to focus on hydration and gentle detoxification through mindful movement and breath.

Endnote : Nutrition

While our yoga practice supports the body’s natural detoxification processes, proper nutrition is equally essential off the mat. Staying hydrated, consuming wholefoods rich in fibre and, including antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can help your kidneys, liver, and lymphatic system function at their best. These nutritional choices complement your yoga practice, ensuring a well-rounded approach to maintaining your body's detox systems.

Further Reading

Kidney Health & Hydration  : Water is Crucial

Yoga and Lymphatic Flow :  Leveraging Gravity

Our Daily Practice : Balancing the Doshas

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