Using Ayurveda & Yoga to Detox After The Holidays
Photo by Ruby Moy
As we reach the apex of our winter season here in the northern hemisphere, we put together a little guide on how to support yourself through detoxing the physical + emotional + spiritual body from the hustle and bustle of the wintery celebrations — using Ayurveda and yoga as gentle guiding influences.
“Whenever you are in doubt, it is best to pause. Few things are so pressing that they cannot wait for a moment of breath.”
Here are some sweet, gentle ways to realign and take time for yourself now that the merriment storm has passed…
Sip warm lemon water.
Beginning your day with a warm cup of lemon water can rehydrate your body and aid in the elimination of toxins that accumulate in the bladder and bowels during slumber.
If compelled, you can also add in fresh chopped ginger for additional help in digestion, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal + joint pain.
Add detoxifying twists to your asana practice.
Incorporating twists, such as the seated spinal twist (Vakrasana), helps your organs of detoxification in moving congestion and stagnation out of the body. It can also stoke the digestive fire, particularly beneficial after any yummy holiday indulgences.
Here are a few additional twists to incorporate into your daily practice:
Reclined Supine Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)
Revolved Half Moon Pose (Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana)
Revolved Triangle Pose (Parivrtta Trikonasana)
Half Lord of the Fishes Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana)
Be sure to warm up the muscles before moving into twisted poses, and heed the contraindications (not advised during pregnancy).
Give yourself a luscious Abhyanga self massage.
Warm some sesame oil and treat yourself to an intentional massage from the soles of your feet to your scalp.
Abhyanga promotes lymphatic drainage, ideal for post-holiday detoxification. It’s also known for lowering blood pressure, increasing energy, and enhancing skin health and circulation.
To start, gently + firmly massage the body, starting with the neck and working your way down to your feet. Pay special attention to your fingers, toes, and the soles of your feet.
Journal to release what no longer serves you.
The holidays can be a time of heightened emotions and once they’re over, we may be left with frayed nerves and a dysregulated nervous system. Writing about your emotions & experiences that perhaps no longer serve you can be immensely beneficial in releasing the associated physical symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Here are a few journal prompts to write from the heart on:
What do you wish to let go of emotionally after the holidays?
What boundaries need to be set in place to ensure your needs are respected and upheld during the holidays?
How did you take time for yourself during the holiday season? How can you take time for yourself during the next festive season?
What emotions have you been witnessing flow through you during this time?
Spend time out in the natural world.
Reset your nervous system after a season of go-go-go by taking a small nature walk, hike, forest bath, or sitting on your porch and gazing up at the treetops and clouds rolling past.
Ayurvedic philosophy is deeply rooted in the five elements: Earth (Prithvi), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal), Air (Vayu), Ether (Akasha). The earth element within our bodies keeps us grounded and in the present moment. Spending intentional time surrounded by nature can bring us back into our bodies and ground us after a season of ungrounding. According to Ayurveda, our health depends on being in union with the elements.
Returning back to nature can be the most medicinal experience to be had.
Be kind to yourself.
Above all, be sure to shower yourself with love and kindness. The holidays bring unforgettable moments of togetherness, joy, and generosity, yet they can also bring on moments of heightened stress, overconsumption, and cycles of grief.
Just like the duality of anything — this is entirely normal, and it’s perfectly okay.
We’re all human.
Written by Ruby Moy, 2023 WildYoga Teacher Training graduate