5 Quick Water Rituals to Cleanse Your Body’s Energy
Water is essential. We all know we need to drink more of it. We all clean with it. We’re even made of mostly water. However, it’s a lesser known fact that water can be used to cleanse our bodily energy, as well.
Why is it that water has been used ceremoniously since the beginning of time? It’s very simple: without water, there is no life. This makes this precious resource worthy of our attention and time, not only from an ecological perspective, but also for our own healing. This doesn’t require any particular religion or spiritual thinking in order to take advantage of these purifying benefits.
These mini-rituals are easy and simple, and you don’t need anything particularly special. Keep a mindset of cleansing as you perform them:
1. Care for Your Drinking Water
Drinking enough water gives you life. When you’re low on fluids, you certainly notice as sluggishness, headaches, and achiness creeps in. Refresh your usual drinking source and put fresh lemon, lime, orange, basil, mint or cucumber in your water for a light flavoring. Be more appreciative of your water by using an eye-pleasing glass container that reflects the purity and simple beauty of the water, so that you feel uplifted with each sip.
2. Bless Your Water
It’s time for a little visualization. Imagine or sense the positive quality you wish to amplify in the water. Before you drink, feel gratitude for the water that is about to cleanse, heal and nourish all the cells in your body. Imbue it into your drink, or even your shower or bath water. The power of your thought is stronger than you might know, so really focus in on all the benefits you wish to have.
3. Cleanse Your Body Every Day
Even if you didn’t hit the yoga mat today, water can’t cleanse your energy unless you use it. Some of us absorb the energy of others very easily. Therefore, get purifying with your energy. One way to cleanse the days’ events is to have either a quick shower or salt water bath before bed. This will ensure better sleep, as well, a deeper and less dream energy-consuming slumber. It helps you be less restless, once the negative energy is gone.
4. Visualize Through Your Water
Visualization is a powerful tool, so if you’ve never used it, water is an easy, simple introduction. Begin by imagining or sensing any stressful situations flowing down the drain as you wash your hands. Release the tension or stress through your hands and let it float somewhere far away.
5. Yoga: Ocean Salutation
Do this cleansing yoga sequence near a body of water. It is designed as an affirmation, and you will feel the peace wash over you same as the water.
As its core, it has the same movements of a half sun salutation. Ready to start? Lifting your heart and reaching arms upward, affirm “I am Open to Receive!”
Exhale and fold forward into Uttanasana (standing forward pose), affirming “I trust myself.” Ground your hands on your legs or the floor and lift your spine toward the horizon into Ardha Uttanasana (half bend) affirming “I follow my dreams.”
Fold back into Uttanasana (standing forward pose), with the affirmation “I flow like water.”
Now back to upstretched arms, again affirming “I am Open to Receive.”
About the Author
Spring Cleansing with Kriya, Asana and Pranayama
Spring has arrived once again and joyfully we begin to see budding flora & blooming fauna as they come out of winter’s hibernation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver is related to this fresh and vibrant season in which it is strongly influenced by. It’s a great time to assist the body in its natural cleansing process by toning and strengthening the liver organ so it can efficiently process and remove toxins from the body. This in turn will help to strengthen other body systems such as the immune, digestive & endocrine systems which will help to increase energy levels, promote radiant & vibrant skin, maintain healthy weight for your body type as well as promote a deep sense of peace & well being.
There are many ways in which we can support the body to reach and maintain optimal health & wellness, exercise, nutrition, relaxation and a healthy positive attitude…to name a few! Here are a few tips on using kriya, yoga asana and pranayama for toning, cleansing and strengthening the entire body and mind:
3-Part Breath – Dirga Pranayama
A deeply cleansing & grounding breath, helps to balance emotions, move stagnancy out of lungs, increases lung capacity, purifies toxins from the blood.
*Incorporate this breath several times throughout the day to focus attention to the present moment.*
Kapalabhati Breath – Breath of Fire
Cleanses the lungs & entire respiratory system, increases lung capacity, increases oxygen throughout entire body, massages digestive system improving overall function, purifies blood, brings balance into sympathetic and para-sympathetic parts of the nervous system, stimulates normal functioning of the endocrine system and tones abdominal muscles.
*Beneficial for those who experience seasonal allergies.*
Twists
Twisting poses release tension in the body, improve digestion, help to “wring” out toxins from the spine and other internal organs, tone the spinal nerves and improve the functioning of the spinal cord, flushing & cleansing action of the kidneys & liver, brings balance into the nervous system, massages & tones abdominal organs making it helpful to eliminate constipation, brings balance into the adrenal glands & hormone production, beneficial for menstrual disorders, improves round shoulders.
*Twists energize the body and can help give a boost when feeling sluggish or tired.*
Tapping
Face, head, neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen & low back) – boosts the immune system by increasing production of T-cells, reduces stress, energizing, increases focus, promotes strength & vitality, balances left of right hemispheres of the body.
*Tapping is a great “pick-me-up to increase focus and rejuvenate the body & mind”.*
Neti Kriya
Enhancement of olfactory senses, loosens and flushes dried mucous, dust and other pollutants in nasal cavity, reduces frequency & severity of colds & sinusitis.
*Neti Kriya is a beneficial practice for those who experience symptoms from asthma, allergies, sinusitis & hay fever.*
Cat & Cow Pose
Cat and cow pose massages and stimulates internal organs for increased digestion & detoxification, opens chest cavity for increased lung capacity, helps to expel stagnant matter from the lungs.
*If you feel the urge to cough while practicing this movement, allow yourself to do so to remove excess mucous from the lungs.*
Forward Bends – Uttanasana & Paschimottanasana
Forward bends massage abdominal organs, stretch & strengthen the spine bringing balance into nervous system, regulate digestion, menstruation & body temperature, calm & soothe the mind.
*Tones organs responsible for urination, defecation, ejaculation, menstruation and child birth.*
Shoulder Stand – Salamba Sarvangasanam
Shoulder stand pose stimulates blood and lymph flow to enhance detoxification, carries new blood to liver & kidneys which assists in increased detoxification, activates pituitary and pineal glands synergizing them to balance hormone levels in the body, increases blood circulation to the brain which will promote higher levels of concentration and mental sharpness.
*Because of the many benefits to this pose it is considered the “Queen of Asanas”.*
Meditation
Meditation is a subtle yet powerful practice to assist with cleansing & purification of body & mind, increases blood flow, decreases muscle tension, enhances energy, strength & vigor, increases focus & concentration, promotes self confidence, increases communication between the two brain hemispheres, grows a stable, more balanced personality, helps keep things in perspective, helps us tune into the present moment and experience a sense of “oneness”.
*Meditation can be practiced by anyone regardless of spiritual or religious practices, age, or gender.*
HAPPY CLEANSING!
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