This is not another list of New Year detox tips, promise! These are some useful tips to help you stay healthy in winter, it's just a coincidence we are sharing them with you in early January, so you might find them particularly useful right now.
1. Master the yogic breath
Learn to breathe like yogis do. Do full yogic breath and draw in more oxygen, while exhaling wastes and toxins. Oxygen provides the flame through which our food is burned. Use the breath to sharpen up digestion and invigorate every cell in the body.
2. Practice yoga postures that work on your digestive organs
In your daily yoga practice, include more postures which work on the digestive organs such as:
- Abdominal lock -
style="float: right; margin:10px">
3. Drink apple cider vinegar
Consider drinking some organic apple cider vinegar as a natural detoxant, no matter how ugly that sounds. No need to drink it plain though - add one or two tablespoons to an 8 ounce glass of water and drink first thing in the morning, or sip throughout the day. Another option (since you asked) would be herbal detox teas, such as fennel.
4. Drink distilled water
Drinking pure distilled water also acts as a powerful detoxant in the system. Warm water works best as it relaxes the digestive organs. Very cold water has an adverse effect on the body especially if drunk just after food. It shocks the system and causes the fats ingested to become congealed and eventually clog up structures. Drinking large amounts of water with or directly after food is not helpful as this can dilute the digestive enzymes too much and lead to a build-up of toxins from improperly digested food.
5. Eat lightly. Do a fruit-only day.
Might be a good idea to give the body a rest by eating lightly, e.g. raw life force foods such fruit, salads, nuts, seeds, good quality olive oil. If you include cooked food make sure you eat the raw foods first as they go through your system faster. Consider a one-day "fruit and water only" fast. Go for organic pears or grapes as they are gentle on the system. Practicing mindfulness by placing your full awareness on the act of eating will result in better digestion and absorption of the nutrients.
6. Holistic body treatments.
Consider having a holistic body treatment such as Ayurvedic massage to relax the body and help excrete toxins.
7. Relaxing bath.
Take a relaxing bath and add some Epsom salts, a wonderful way of drawing out toxins.
8. Enough sleep.
Remember to get enough rest and sleep to support your body in the detox process. Easier said then done, I know!
9. Go on a yoga retreat
If you feel clogged up and need a good overall detox, consider going on a yoga retreat, preferable one to one with the teacher to make the most of it. Inner Harmony in Cyprus is a perfect destination. Nice and warm also!