Are You Thinking DETOX

Truly, why would you think of detox...

My Reasons 

First and foremost remove the accumulated toxins from cells, tissues..from the entire body. 

To look GREAT

To lose WEIGHT

To strengthen immunity

Delay ageing

Improve overall body functioning

Boost Energy levels

Check hair fall

Sleep Better

Prevent chronic ailments

Understanding the Concept
Detox is basically a cleansing approach. The main reason many of us think of detox is to flush the toxins.But That is What Our Organs Do!! So Why Again a Detox Plan? 


According to WebMD, detox diets can actually be risky and might even backfire!(The Truth About Detox Diets). Detox primarily involves a whole lot of liquid diets and very minimal levels of solids,,,mostly salad varieties. Living completely on detox diets may involve serious side effects such as fatigue, muscle aches, low blood sugar, dizziness and nausea.


A small instance - the specific days when I fast (for spiritual reasons), I think about food more than ever and end up gulping in more than the normal servings. This kind of desperate eating behavior actually reverses the purpose for which the fasting is started.

 So, my personal opinion is that starving or fasting or living entirely on liquid diets not only deprives the body of essential nutrients but affects the regular eating patterns.

So, the approach to detox should be more of a conscious effort and the focus should be more on limiting the exposure and entry of toxins into the body. Imagine that you have started a detox regimen and going on fine with the specific diet (say, about 7 days), so what next...how long do you intend to continue...

 The human body is constantly exposed to toxins and any detox program should presumably be adopted as a regular practice.

The human body is primarily designed to flush out toxins and the organs, including lungs and kidneys are extremely good at it, unless the organs are not functioning properly or the body is not receiving the required quantity of liquid diets. When the organs are not functioning properly its a medical condition and definitely not something which a detox can help.

So, a detox program should basically focus on limiting the exposure or preventing the entry of toxins into the human body. How does one achieve this...First identify the common toxins that we knowingly or unknowingly allow to enter our body.

 One should limit their exposure to harmful chemicals especially the ones hidden in various products that we commonly use such as detergents, fragrances, hair sprays, perfumes, room fresheners, insecticides.

Mindful eating is the best approach to detox! First identify what comprises your regular diet. How often do you consume refined and processed foods, high-fat foods, sugary treats as well as food prepared in an unhygienic atmosphere.

What we actually need to do is to strengthen the functionality of our organs. So, detox should be approached in a broader way and include changes in our eating habits and living patterns.

Best approach is to include organic food, whole foods, adequate quantities of fruits and vegetables and nuts. The regular diet should include smoothies, herbs infused water, plain water, green tea, salads, legumes, whole grains in a systematic way.

Any detox plan would be incomplete without proper exercise routine. There is no substitute to physical activity and its manifold benefits as our body excretes toxins in the form of sweat as well.

In my next post, I will discuss about popular and simple detox strategies.

Are You Thinking DETOX

Why Surya Namaskaras?

I'm first introduced to yoga by Dr. Bapuji, when I visited him to get cure for my asthma. He taught me the breathing techniques (pranayama) and also gave a small booklet titled '25 Minutes Yoga for You'. He compiled the book with all the basic yoga asanas needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. On opening the book the first thing that we see is surya namaskaras.

Surya namaskaras or sun salutation is an ancient way of paying respect to the Sun. The series of 12 postures aims to help the body maintain sync with the solar cycle. Why maintain the sync - we all know that an element of sun or rather all the five elements (panchabhootalu),  namely earth, water, fire, air and space form the human body.

In Sync with the Sun

Being in sync with the prime source of energy (the sun) allows the body to harness the solar energy for improved vitality, physical health and well-being. The twelve postures of surya namaskaras are basically structured along the sun's cycles (about 12 and a quarter) to enable the human body experience an overall good state - both mentally and physically.


(Image courtesy - perfectvision9.wordpress.com)

Power of Mantra

Each of the twelve poses of surya namaskara have a particular mantra (refer to the above image). It is advisable to chant the mantras audibly (especially, when doing at a slow pace). The sound vibrations emanating from the chanting of mantras work on the energy centers of the body. One can actually experience the flow of pranic energy.

It is difficult to chant mantras when doing at a brisk pace.

Benefits

Regular practice of surya namaskaras improves overall health, strengthens the immune system, the cardiovascular system as well as adds a youthful look!

The alternating stretching and compression of abdominal muscles strengthens the digestive system and addresses few chronic disorders, including constipation, bloating and indigestion.

When practiced at a brisk pace, surya namaskaras help weight loss and provide an excellent workout for abs. One can also notice loss of the extra pounds around the belly and a flat stomach as an outcome of regular practice.

The rhythmic stretching and bending strengthens the muscles, joints and limbs and adds great flexibility to the spine muscles. You can also notice an improved functioning of the internal organs.

Women suffering from PMS and related menstrual disorders would experience a visible difference on practicing the asanas regularly. Several gynecologists suggest practice of surya namaskaras to address chronic hormonal issues.

The surya namaskara asanas also cause improved metabolism and blood circulation rate that helps in preventing common skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, eczema and ageing. Furthermore, the asanas aid in preventing hair loss owing to the improved blood circulation to the scalp.

Regular practice of surya namskara aids in balancing body sugar levels. The constant inhaling and exhaling throughout the 12-pose cycle helps the body get rid of toxic gases and carbon dioxide, thereby bestowing the detoxification benefits.

Chanting the above mantras when performing the asanas helps one to release the blocked energy as well as add some spirituality to the whole process. When chanting mantras, one has to practice the asanas at a slower pace and avoid the mantras when practicing at brisk pace.

The asanas also help you to calm down and manage frequent bouts of anxiety. People with thyroid  and endocrine gland disorders would notice a normalized gland functioning.

Personally, I always felt very relaxed and happy doing the surya namaskaras, especially when done at a brisk pace. Maybe the asanas unleash some kind of positive energy within us that makes us feel very happy with ourselves. Alternatively, the thought that I'm doing something really constructive to stay fit invoked the bouts of positive energy.

A Word of Caution

For beginners it is better to start practicing yoga under the guidance of a trained teacher.
Pregnant women and people with cardiovascular disorders are not advised to attempt certain asanas and it is always important to consult one's physician before starting these kind of workouts.


Best Time to Practice

For me, the best time to practice surya namaskara is early in the morning. Evening is also the best time, However, one has to ensure empty stomach or three hours gap after meals for practicing the poses. Inhaling and exhaling is an integral part of the aasanas, few poses require you to inhale, while few require you to exhale.