5 Yoga Poses To Strengthen Your Liver
The best way to have optimal health of the liver is through a satvic or a pure healthy diet. In addition to being mindful of what we ingest, certain yoga poses can also aid in strengthening this vital organ to help purify the body. Since the liver’s main function is to detoxify chemicals in the body from our environment and diet, this organ should get plenty of attention and care. Try these Yoga poses taken from the Ashtanga Yoga Primary sequence by Pattabhi Jois to help with cleansing the body thus bringing more vitality to your life!
Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana- Half Bound Lotus Standing Fold
Set Up: From standing, shift the weight into the leg you are going to balance on. Take a hold of the other leg bending the knee and placing the foot into the hip crease of the standing leg into half lotus or ardha padmasana. Reach the same arms as the bent leg behind the back and reach for the big toe. Activate the quad of the standing leg as you begin to forward fold over the leg on an exhale. Place the free hand flat on the floor inline with foot of the standing leg. Make sure to have a slight bend in the standing knee to activate the quad in turn releasing the hamstring, avoid hyper extending or locking the knee. Lower both hands to the floor if the bind is unavailable. Take 5 deep breaths.
Benefits: Alleviates enlargement of the liver and spleen through applying pressure directly with the heel on these organs to stimulate them.
Pachimottanasana- Intense Western Stretch
Set Up: Sit with legs extended in front of the body with the feet flexed and together. With a flat back reach the hands forward to hold around the outside of the feet. Before reaching forward make sure to sit firmly on the sits bones. Keep reaching the chest towards the feet to maintain a flat spine. Continue to flex the feet to engage the quadriceps which will release the hamstrings. Use a strap if necessary. Take 5 deep breaths.
Benefits: Massages internal organs and stimulates the digestive system including the liver.
Ardha Baddha Padma Pachimottanasana- Half Bound Lotus Forward Fold
Set up: Sit with one leg extended out in front of you, bend the opposite leg and take the foot into the hip crease of the extended leg for half lotus. Reach the same arm as the bent leg behind the back reaching for the big toe of the foot in the hip crease. Flex the foot of the extended leg and reach that same arm forward taking a hold of the outside of the flexed foot. Reach the chest forward elongating the spine. Take 5 deep breaths.
Benefits: Alleviates enlargement of the liver and spleen through applying pressure directly with the heel on these organs to stimulate them.
Marichiasana C- Sage Marichi Pose
Set Up: Bend the right knee. Plant the right foot beside the extended left leg. Keep both sitting bones rooted down. Inhale, lean back slightly keeping a straight back. Exhale, suck your belly in as you bring the left shoulder on the outside of the right knee. Roll the left shoulder forward. Spiral the left arm around the right shin. Bring the right arm behind you, rolling the shoulder back. Left hand finds the right fingers or wrist. Inhale lengthen, exhale gaze over the right shoulder. Keep the left foot flexed. Take 5 deep breaths.
Benefits: Through twisting the body, blood supply is limited to the abdominal organs. When the pose is released, blood flow rushes back thus stimulating the liver and spleen among the other abdominal organs.
Baddha Padmasana/ Yoga Mudra- Bound Lotus Forward Fold Pose
Set Up: Bring your legs into lotus crossing your right leg first. Reach your arms behind your back crossing them and take a hold of the feet with your peace fingers or take a hold of opposite elbows. Inhale lengthen the chest and exhale forward fold bringing your chin to the floor. Take 5-10 deep breaths.
Benefits: The liver and spleen become purified. Alleviates enlargement of the liver and spleen through applying pressure directly with the heel on these organs.
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