Most forms of vigorous exercise stimulate all three systems of elimination to some extent, thereby helping the body in its quest to cleanse and detox. But yoga, with its focus on systematically stretching and compressing every part of the body, is particularly well-suited to keeping the waste-removal departments of the body functioning well.“In a well-rounded yoga practice, every part of the body is pushed, pulled, twisted, turned and upended,”"This facilitates the removal of waste products such as carbon dioxide, lactic acid and lymphatic fluid from the deep tissues and extremities of the body that a jog or a bike ride just don’t reach."Yogic breathing also plays an important role in promoting detoxification. “We have as many bad habits in breathing as we do in every other area of our lives.Sitting with poor posture impedes the lungs from inflating fully, and our chronic state of low-grade stress often leads to a clenched diaphragm—the parachute-shaped muscle at the bottom of the rib cage that assists in breathing. As a result, we don’t take in as much life-sustaining oxygen when we inhale, or expel as much of the potentially hazardous carbon dioxide when we exhale.“Yogic breathing helps clear out carbon dioxide from the lung tissue, stimulates the organs of digestion and can, over time, retrain the diaphragm to move freely. And when the diaphragm moves with its natural fluidity, the abdominal organs are massaged and the lungs are fully emptied with every breath — not just the ones you take on the yoga mat.In addition to its physical benefits, yoga aids in mental detox as well. “When we’re in a state of stress, fear or depression, that attitude creates a sensation in the body,” explains Patricia Moreno, founder of the intenSati workout. “Doing yoga helps purge toxic thoughts by teaching you to move your awareness away from the chaos of the mind and back to the present moment. That practice is not a basic component of other fitness pursuits.”As a result, a regular yoga practice helps you eliminate the tangible and intangible toxins that could otherwise keep you from feeling your best. Here are three poses that are particularly suited to aiding detoxification or to help you kick off a natural body cleanse.

1. Cleanses and massages the internal organs responsible for healthy digestion.

 

2. Increases flexibility of the spine, back and ribs

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3. A good Detox Yoga routine is designed to stretch and tone your muscles, as they let go of accumulated tension.

 

4. Forces blood deep down into muscle tissue, including our organs that are responsible for elimination…our liver and kidneys. And as the posture is moved through, newly aerated blood moves in as the old blood is re-circulated.

 

5. A general sense of rejuvenation and motivation is often felt as toxins leave your body.