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The Cleansing Power of Yoga

Kriyas and other holistic detox techniques for health and wellbeing

Discover the benefits of removing toxic energy—from increased energy, clarity, and focus to a stronger sense of connection with the people and world around you

Purification (saucha) is a central aim of all yogic practices—the first principle of self-discipline (niyama) in Patanjali’s eight-limbed approach—as the ancient yogis believed that impurities in our internal body adversely affect our state of mind and prevent the attainment of true contentment. And kriyas—little-known ancient yoga techniques designed to cleanse the body, mind, and emotions—have far-reaching relevance in today’s society of over-consumption. In The Cleansing Power of Yoga, Swami Saradananda presents six main chapters of kriyas and other cleansing techniques relating to our five senses and the mind, each with a specific aim:
 
• Clarifying our vision in life (sight)
• Enhancing our communication skills (sound)
• Optimizing our energy and allowing us to breathe more deeply (smell)
• Nourishing us and enhancing our capacity to ‘digest’ life (taste)
• Enhancing our connection with others (touch)
• Simplifying our life and filling it with sublime thoughts (mind)
 
Each chapter includes at least one yoga pose as well as a breathing exercise, mudra, mantra, cleansing chakra visualization and any more specific techniques relevant to optimal well-being in that area. Also included are routines for a wide range of conditions—from physical complaints such as headaches or tinnitus, to emotional ones such as sadness, guilt and anger.

Unique, informative, and featuring beautiful colorful illustrations, The Cleansing Power of Yoga gives readers all the holistic detox tools they need to feel overall better, lighter, happier, and healthier in their own skin.
'THERE’s much more to yoga than the physical poses it has become known for in the West. The ancient practice aims to link body, mind and soul. Practical and inspiring, this easy-to-follow book teaches you techniques designed to eliminate tension – whether in the physical or emotional state. You learn which yoga poses help woes such as migraines and insomnia, the best breathing techniques if you are exhausted – and why facial massage calms nerves.'
- Natasha Harding, 5 Stars from The Sun
Swami Saradananda is an internationally renowned yoga and meditation teacher who has inspired thousands of people to practise. She has been teaching for almost forty years, and her books include The Power of BreathChakra Meditation, Relax and Unwind with YogaYoga Mind and BodyThe Essential Guide to Chakras and Mudras for Modern Life. For 26 years, she worked with the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and directed their facilities in New York, London, New Delhi and the Himalayas. After an extended period of personal practice in the Himalayas in 2001, she was author in residence at the Peacemaker Community in Western Massachusetts, and she then went on to direct yoga and meditation retreat Haus Yoga Vidya, just outside of Cologne, Germany. She now lives in London but still spends time teaching both in Germany and India. She is also a trustee of the Ganga Prem Hospice, a charity that has built a cancer hospice in Rishikesh, North India.

About

Discover the benefits of removing toxic energy—from increased energy, clarity, and focus to a stronger sense of connection with the people and world around you

Purification (saucha) is a central aim of all yogic practices—the first principle of self-discipline (niyama) in Patanjali’s eight-limbed approach—as the ancient yogis believed that impurities in our internal body adversely affect our state of mind and prevent the attainment of true contentment. And kriyas—little-known ancient yoga techniques designed to cleanse the body, mind, and emotions—have far-reaching relevance in today’s society of over-consumption. In The Cleansing Power of Yoga, Swami Saradananda presents six main chapters of kriyas and other cleansing techniques relating to our five senses and the mind, each with a specific aim:
 
• Clarifying our vision in life (sight)
• Enhancing our communication skills (sound)
• Optimizing our energy and allowing us to breathe more deeply (smell)
• Nourishing us and enhancing our capacity to ‘digest’ life (taste)
• Enhancing our connection with others (touch)
• Simplifying our life and filling it with sublime thoughts (mind)
 
Each chapter includes at least one yoga pose as well as a breathing exercise, mudra, mantra, cleansing chakra visualization and any more specific techniques relevant to optimal well-being in that area. Also included are routines for a wide range of conditions—from physical complaints such as headaches or tinnitus, to emotional ones such as sadness, guilt and anger.

Unique, informative, and featuring beautiful colorful illustrations, The Cleansing Power of Yoga gives readers all the holistic detox tools they need to feel overall better, lighter, happier, and healthier in their own skin.

Praise

'THERE’s much more to yoga than the physical poses it has become known for in the West. The ancient practice aims to link body, mind and soul. Practical and inspiring, this easy-to-follow book teaches you techniques designed to eliminate tension – whether in the physical or emotional state. You learn which yoga poses help woes such as migraines and insomnia, the best breathing techniques if you are exhausted – and why facial massage calms nerves.'
- Natasha Harding, 5 Stars from The Sun

Author

Swami Saradananda is an internationally renowned yoga and meditation teacher who has inspired thousands of people to practise. She has been teaching for almost forty years, and her books include The Power of BreathChakra Meditation, Relax and Unwind with YogaYoga Mind and BodyThe Essential Guide to Chakras and Mudras for Modern Life. For 26 years, she worked with the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres and directed their facilities in New York, London, New Delhi and the Himalayas. After an extended period of personal practice in the Himalayas in 2001, she was author in residence at the Peacemaker Community in Western Massachusetts, and she then went on to direct yoga and meditation retreat Haus Yoga Vidya, just outside of Cologne, Germany. She now lives in London but still spends time teaching both in Germany and India. She is also a trustee of the Ganga Prem Hospice, a charity that has built a cancer hospice in Rishikesh, North India.