Spring is a good time to cleanse and purify the body, letting go of stagnant energy and waste products in the body that have been stored over winter. In Ayurveda we practice Shat Karmas (also known as Shat Kriyas) which translate as six actions. These purification practices help cleanse and support the mind, body and soul. Jala Neti is a saline nasal wash that helps flush away dust and pollen and drain the sinuses. It positively affects mental health and keeps conditions at bay, such as colds, coughs, halitosis, nasal polyps, snoring, and upper respiratory tract conditions. It is best practised in the morning, before your mug of hot water, yoga practice, shower or breakfast, using a neti pot, a pinch of rock salt, six drops of nasya ayurvedic oil or sesame oil and boiled warm water. After using the pot, clean it properly with soap and don’t be tempted to share it with anyone else! Daily empowering cleansing routines and yoga practices help create space to let go and invite an unwavering supply of energy, vitality and connection, which will help build confidence and resilience through the seasonal shift.
SETUBANDHA SARVANGASANA Bridge Pose
This inverted pose or back bend is often practised at the beginning and end of a class. After lying in Shavasana and practising complete yogic breathing exercises, move into a supine twist. Start to breathe and move the body slowly, gently stretching and warming the body. Inhale through the nose and bring your feet onto the mat, hip-width apart. Exhale and draw your heels to your sit bones. Bring your arms by your sides, palms facing down. Close your eyes and bring your awareness to your eyebrow centre, Ajna chakra. Inhale and lift your hips; exhale here, holding the pose for five deep breaths. Repeat three to five times. Place your hands or a yoga block under your lower back to increase the stretch. This pose stretches, lengthens and strengthens the body, increases flexibility and range of motion, and opens the chest and diaphragm, positively impacting the respiratory system. It is stimulating, cleansing, energising and relaxing. It also prepares the body for more intense poses like shoulder stand, plough pose and wheel pose.
PARIVRTTA SUKHASANA Revolved Easy Pose
This pose is a warming pose. After bridge pose, take a deep inhale; as you exhale, engage your bandhas and come to boat pose – navasana before moving into a seated cross-legged position – sukhasana. Close your eyes and observe your posture, ensuring your spine is straight. If not, pop a cushion, folded blanket or yoga block underneath your sit bones. Keeping a straight spine is important to help nerve impulses travel up and down the spinal column and nervous system. Inhale through the nose, raise your arms over your head; as you exhale through the nose, twist to the right, placing your right hand behind you and your left hand on your right thigh – five deep breaths. Deepen the twist by consciously lengthening and twisting through the spine on the inhalation and exhalation. Now, the opposite side. This pose helps with flexibility, range of motion and posture. It opens the rib cage, chest and heart, helping with respiration. It stimulates the organs, helping cleanse and detoxify the body’s buildup of waste, and it is energising and relaxing.
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