I usually do a full body cleanse twice a year – in spring and fall. But for some reason this Spring I was too tied up with personal issues. So I did it at the beginning of summer. My diet got lighter and I went green. From the morning juices of kale, cucumber and celery, into omega rich lunches of avocado, arugula and hemp seeds, to crunchy dinners of baked chickpeas, lentil and beans. I indulged in sauerkraut, kimchi and tossed apple cider vinegar in all salads – a probiotic feast. I changed some nasty habits of eating fruits at dawn and dusk and favored protein instead. I discovered the power of plant protein packed with naturally occurring amino acids and flavonoids. I felt much lighter, happier and sharper. My gut was bathing in healthy flora. I naturally cut down my portions.

I felt nourished and despite the lighter meals, I did not feel I was starving. Detox programs don’t necessarily require a diet. They ask for a tweak in your own diet, exercise routine and mindset. I watched what I ate and when I ate it, until the change in diet felt like a lifestyle. My new food preferences impacted my exercise regimen, and completely transformed my yoga practice.

I coupled my daily sadhana with valuable tips from Chinese Traditional Medicine, and made sure my asana routine responded to the summer meridians of the body. According to Chinese Traditional Medicine the heart and the small intestine are the two meridians that need to be stimulated in summer. Summer’s when the fire element comes into play and we need to open the heart center – physically and energetically. Because the heart meridian runs along the arms, I introduced a lot of arm variations and binds into my practice. These bound twists naturally triggered the small intestine to start an internal detox – simulating the liver, kidneys and spleen.

The heart operates with two sets of yin-yan meridians that dominate the blood vessels and manifest on the face. The heart also chambers the mind. The shifting of the mind into the heart is the first step in the detoxification process. Next, comes the bolstering of the small intestines that transform food matter, separating the pure from the toxic. When both meridians are in concert the pericardium triggers a response to protect the heart and promote proper hormonal function. Together these four meridians take charge over the processing, storage and distribution of vital energy.

The fusion of Chinese and Indian yoga is always so rewarding, as the body naturally triggers the self-regulatory response to get rid of all inflammation and acidity. As a result, the PH balance is restored and all organs and glands function at optional capacity. I love to address the meridians in yoga class as this provides students with the knowledge to approach their bodies holistically. Targeting the seasonal meridians also makes the yoga routines highly effective and nourishing.

If you ever miss the spring window for a clean sweep, don’t wait until fall. Do it in summer – to get your heart smiling and your gut pure.

Detox Yoga Routine: Unclog (open level)

This Yoga routine is a savory menu of purifying twists that promote overall detoxification by triggering secretion of glands, rinsing the gut inside out, and flushing out toxic residue – physical, mental and emotional.