Spiced Lemon Water
We’ve
probably all heard of the warm water with lemon trick, which is a great
way to flush our system of impurities in the morning.To kick this
morning (or anytime) elixir up a few notches, try adding a dash of
cayenne pepper and turmeric powder. Among their plethora of health
benefits is the fact that they're digestive and detoxifying agents.If
you really want to go crazy, throw in a ginger tea bag and consider
yourself de-gunked.
I wish I would consume more turmeric, however it does have a very dying effect, so be sure to brush your teeth after to refrain from stains...and don't spill it on clothing or other items that you don't want to turn yellow indefinitely! The cayenne, is a great way to clear up your sinuses as well, and very warming.
Kapalabhati Breathing
This
pranayama practice or yogic breathing technique clears congestion in the
lungs, sinuses, and the mind! It also boosts circulation and can
simultaneously relieve stress and energize your entire being. How to:
Sit in a comfortable, upright position.
Take
two or three deep inhales and exhales through the nose to
prepare.Inhale fully, and then exhale sharply through the nose, while
drawing your belly in.
Focus on the quick, forceful exhales and the inhales will happen naturally.
Do three rounds of about 10-30 breaths, then take a break with a few natural breaths.
Return to normal breathing at any time if you feel lightheaded.
To be safe, practice conservatively and keep an eye out for any contraindications.
A
certified yoga therapist can recommend additional yoga sequences and
techniques to address everything from headaches to grief, and will
support you in renewing and rebalancing your mind, body, and spirit.
This is a wonderful breathing technique that you will really feel an effect from!
Dry Brushing
This
pre-shower ritual sloughs off dead, dry skin, boosts digestion,
circulation, lymphatic drainage and kidney function and ultimately helps
the body release toxins.With a natural-bristle brush, simply make long
circular sweeping motions all over your bare body. Start at your feet
and work your way toward your heart. You’ll be glowing from the inside
out and outside in!
The moment I learned about all the amazing benefits of dry brushing, I went out and purchased a brush immediately, and attempt to dry brushing my body daily before I hop into the shower (or at least a minimum of 4 days a week). The benefits are amazing...softer, smoother skin, healthier lymphatic system and it feels great! be sure to check out my previous blog video on the correct way to body brush to direct the toxins to flow out to the water lines in your body.
7-Day Food Detox
The
change of season is the perfect time to try a cleanse! Instead of doing
something drastic like a juice fast, simply eat clean for one week. By
cutting out processed foods and common sources of food allergies, you
can detoxify your entire system and jump-start your health
transformation.The best way to do this is to completely avoid all dairy,
soy, wheat, sugar, meat, alcohol, and processed foods (anything in a
package with more than ONE ingredient). Trust me, by day six, you’ll befeeling AMAZING!
I already eliminate the foods mentioned above. But the month before the summer I like to do some sort of a cleanse. This year I will be doing a liver cleans in May. I look forward to the results! A little nervous about the process:p More on that in future posts.
Mind-Body Detox
Our
bodies remember everything: every physical, mental, and emotional moment
we have experienced.When those moments are unpleasant or overwhelming,
we often fail to process them thoroughly; we gloss over, repress, or
disregard and keep on trucking away. This disconnect between the mind,
body, and spirit can often manifest as physical pain, chronic stress or
illness, fatigue, emotional distress, and even behavioral “bad
habits”.Yoga therapy and other mind-body healing practices can release
and reintegrate any experiences that may be “stuck” and getting in the
way of feeling balanced. With the guide of a trained practioner, you can
clear out a lot old subconscious junk and make some space for new
possibilities to arise.
I'm a big believer in mind-body self improvement. I try to meditate daily, and recently started the Higher Brain Living program, that I am loving! It addresses both the mind and body (brain). Changing the physiology of our brain and the way we think, towards achieving what we desire to peruse, and become who we want to be, how we want to live, and open up to our limitlessness potential.