Personal hygiene requires several different cleansing processes, but one that's rarely considered is the internal organ cleansing that many yoga postures (asanas) provide. The natural movement of everyday activities may be vigorous enough to increase the circulation of body fluids, but not quite with the intensity of yoga poses that target specific internal organs of the body, However, cleaning out the heart and mind from toxic thoughts and feelings, that's a job that only Jesus can handle!
This week's asana, called "Side Plow Pose" or Parsva Halasana, is designed to follow last week's inversion ("Plow Pose") and will intensify the compression of the abdominal organs, and especially the liver and intestinal tract. The liver is a vital and very heavy organ (about 3 1/2 pounds) that lies just under the cover of the lower ribs on the right side of the body with the smaller left lobe continuing under the left ribs. In addition to its many metabolic functions (glucose to glycogen, etc.) in the body, the liver removes and destroys any toxic substances that may be ingested with food and water.
An occasional healthy habit to detox the liver and kidneys is a short, three-day liquid fast, drinking only water and juices. (If any "followers" are interested, I'd be happy to share my experiences with three-day liquid fasts in a future blog.) Another effective detox method is to "squeeze and then soak" the vital organs with freshly oxygenated blood by practicing this week's targeted yoga position. Because of the intense compression in the abdominal region "Side Plow Pose" is NOT safe for prenatal students!
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9, KJV)
May your practice of awareness lead to confession and forgiveness. plf
This week's asana, called "Side Plow Pose" or Parsva Halasana, is designed to follow last week's inversion ("Plow Pose") and will intensify the compression of the abdominal organs, and especially the liver and intestinal tract. The liver is a vital and very heavy organ (about 3 1/2 pounds) that lies just under the cover of the lower ribs on the right side of the body with the smaller left lobe continuing under the left ribs. In addition to its many metabolic functions (glucose to glycogen, etc.) in the body, the liver removes and destroys any toxic substances that may be ingested with food and water.
An occasional healthy habit to detox the liver and kidneys is a short, three-day liquid fast, drinking only water and juices. (If any "followers" are interested, I'd be happy to share my experiences with three-day liquid fasts in a future blog.) Another effective detox method is to "squeeze and then soak" the vital organs with freshly oxygenated blood by practicing this week's targeted yoga position. Because of the intense compression in the abdominal region "Side Plow Pose" is NOT safe for prenatal students!
- Physically---Always warm the muscles and joints with a previously described vinyasa flow (breath-synchronized movement) that lengthens the spine (such as the June 22, 2009 Dandasana to Pashimottanasa described July 20, 2009) before practicing last week's position, "Embryo-in-the-Womb Pose," also called Karnapidasana. Then inhale to firmly ground down into the shoulders and toes (which are now above and behind the head) while lifting the hips straight over the shoulders and straightening both legs back into "Plow Pose." With the palms of both hands placed on the back of the ribs for support, exhale to engage the pelvic floor and abdominals before slowly and deliberately walking one foot at a time to the left side of the head. Extend the legs straight by pressing into the toes and hugging the muscles into the leg bones, engaging the hip, knee and ankle joints. To prevent neck injury, it is vital to maintain the natural curve in the cervical spine (not flattening the neck into the floor) and to maintain the gaze (drishti) at the navel (called nabi chakra). Feel the intense compression (but not pain!) across the right side of the abdomen as you breathe slow and deep chest breaths. Remain in this "Side Plow Pose" called Parsva Halasana for as long as comfortable, or at least 3-5 breaths, before switching to the right side by walking one straight leg at a time to the right side of the head, keeping the hips aligned directly over the shoulders.
- Mentally---As always, it is very important to occupy the mind in the present moment by being fully aware of the quality of each smooth and deep breath, as well as all body sensations as they occur. Feel the compression in the lower abdominal region, one side at a time, and experience a lengthening action in the back of the spine as the hips are lifted to remain above the shoulders. When the position to the left side is released back to center on an inhalation, experience the soaking action in the left as the legs then move to the right side during the exhalation. Focus your attention inward to your center, your nabi chakra.
- Spiritually---When waste matter is allowed to accumulate anywhere, toxins form and ultimately result in disease, This is especially true, not only on the physical plane, but also spiritually. Negative thoughts and emotions create a toxic environment for existence and therefore need to be purged regularly. While holding the physically cleansing posture called "Side Plow Pose", remember who is capable of cleansing us from all of our sins. Confess and then take holy communion regularly to symbolize this cleansing from all sin that is offered to all who believe!
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9, KJV)
May your practice of awareness lead to confession and forgiveness. plf
