Yoga is not only good for the mind and a source of exercise, but it can also help the body get rid of toxins that we acquire during the day. These toxins can make us feel bloated and sluggish and in the long run can affect our immune system.

The body is cleansed through pumping of lymph fluids through channels in the body. These fluids are not pumped by the heart like our blood, but are moved primarily through contractions in the skeletal muscles. In yoga, there are two types of exercises that are particularly effective in aiding the transport of lymph fluid, detoxing the body and calming the mind:

• Inverted poses stimulate the lymphatic system and encourage the natural movement of lymph fluids. With the legs overhead, fluid drains from the feet and legs, stimulating the passive flow of lymph fluid and increasing the rate of drainage, cleaning out your immune system. The most effect inversion for detoxing is Salamba Sarvangasana. If students cannot comfortably hold shoulder stand for long then try Viparita Karani. If this pose is still too demanding, then Viparita Karani using the wall (legs up the wall) is a great pose. In this variation it is important to use a bolster or blankets under the shoulders to elevate the hips and put pressure on the shoulders.
  
• Poses that involve muscular contraction of the legs and arms also act as a detox. The most effect pose would be Garudasana. If this is not possible then try Baddha Ardha Matsyendrasana.

So, not only is yoga good for the mind, body, and spirit it can also help us detox and maintain a strong immune system.

If you have any questions or comments regarding yoga and its benefits, please contact us!

Heather Morgan

Body Up Beach Yoga

Tel: 786-282-0902

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Heather Morgan is a certified Skanda Yoga teacher and has been practicing with Skanda Yoga founder, Ken von Roenn III for 6 years. Her joy is to watch her students have fun, get stronger physically and spiritually, and share their positive energies with the universe. Skanda Yoga is a free-style that honors and embodies techniques from all yoga systems, and uses alignment to honor the basic form of the pose, but seeks to inform the pose with breath and energy.

Heather teaches Body Up Yoga on the Beach every Thursday at 6:30pm in Miami Beach. The class is located on Lincoln Road and 17th Street in front of the lifeguard hut. All levels welcome! $5 donations. Afterwards, there are free snacks and drinks at Body Up's store on 704 Lincoln Road.

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