Did you spend your 2019 overdoing a little? If you want to start your New Year afresh, you can do a bit more than just sipping that detox juice. Yoga can help you detox and rejuvenate like no other. So, hop on your yoga mat and do these detox yoga poses, leading up to the New Year. These poses will stimulate your digestive, circulatory and lymphatic systems to remove the toxins from your body. Practice all of them every single day, and you will be on your way to feeling like a new you.

 

1. Prasarita Padottanasana or Wide-Legged Forward Bend

As you allow your head to fall below your heart and squeeze your belly, this pose will encourage blood circulation throughout your body. Stand straight on your mat, and spread your legs apart as far as possible. Now place your palms on the floor keeping your legs erect. Slowly bend forward and press the hips away from the midline of your body. Bring your upper body down to the ground such that your head touches the mat. Hold this pose for 10-15 seconds while taking slow, deep breaths and slowly come back to the starting position. How to Stand on One Leg: Yoga Tips to Help You Balance Yourself

 

2. Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana or Three-Legged Downward Dog

Lifting your legs in the air in this variation of downward dog, helps in moving the fluid to the lymph nodes. Lie flat on your stomach while you place your palms near your ears and point your toes downwards. Now push off your hands and raise your body such that your buttocks are pointing towards the sky. Make an inverted ‘V’ in this pose. Next, push back your feet so that they lie flat on the floor. While you are in this position, lift your right leg and make sure that you don’t rotate your hip. Stay in this pose for a few consecutive breaths and slowly lower your right leg down. Repeat this pose on the other side. 10 Totally Hilarious Struggles Only People Who Practice Yoga Will Understand

 

3. Ustrasana or Camel Pose

This seated heart opener can encourage lengthening of the spine and support the body to eliminate the toxins. Kneel on your mat and press your shin onto the floor, such that it is flat against the yoga mat. Let your hands stay on either side of your pelvis. Your palms should rest on top of your hip bone. Next, push your tail bone downwards while keeping your upper body upright. Tilt your head back, such that your chin points the sky. Gently lean back and place your palms on the soles of your feet for added support. Hold this pose for as long as you can and come back to your original position. Fast Yoga or Slow Yoga: Which Is Better For Weight Loss?

 

4. Shalabhasana or Locust Pose

This back-strengthening pose is excellent to improve your digestion. Lie down on your stomach and place your arms by the sides of your body, with your palms facing upwards. Now move your hands under your thighs, gently pressing your thighs. Placing your chin on the floor, slowly tilt your head back. Now bend your head and torso towards the ceiling. Hold this pose for as long as you can and return to the starting position. Now rest your head on one side as you relax. 

5. Shirshasana or Headstand

Headstand is excellent for removing toxins from your circulatory and lymphatic systems. Sit comfortably on your soles and place your knees on the ground. Now lock fingers of both the hands. Make a triangle with the locked fingers and the elbows, and put it on the ground. As you bend forward, place the middle of your head on the ground near the finger lock. Place the weight of your body on your head and straighten your legs. As you gain your balance, try to completely balance your body on the head. Stay here for 5 to 10 breaths. To return to the original position, fold your knee and then the legs first. Gradually place the soles on the ground and sit on your soles. 

 

All of these poses gently stimulates and massages your internal organs. Remember to take long, deep breaths while you are in these poses, and you will work your way to healthier and happier New Year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 27, 2019 05:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).