The concept of "Detox Dieting" appears commonly within the Wellness industry. Yogic practices, both authentic and appropriated, also often find their way into Wellness spaces.

When Wellness claims and unrelated concepts infiltrate and blend with yogic practices, the yoga tradition's authentic and powerful real benefits including nervous system regulation, mental focus, stress management, spiritual development and physical fitness can be compromised.

The purification practices typically associated with the Niyama Saucha have roots in the 15th century Hatha Yoga Pradipika text, and in Ayurveda. They are known as Shatkarma/Shatkriya (Hatha Yoga Pradipika) and Panchakarma (Ayurveda). Their original purpose was to purify the body and mind for best success in pursuing spiritual Enlightenment. Before this era of modern public health, biomedical science and contemporary knowledge of human physiology, shatkarma and panchakarma might also have helped people maintain good hygiene and prevented some illnesses.

Currently, little science-based, conclusive evidence supports claims made about most Shatkarma and Panchakarma practices. More well-designed research is needed. Still, some of these practices are included in contemporary yogic practice. Some are potentially harmful, unless done with the guidance and supervision of a credentialed Ayurvedic Practitioner.

Somehow in the 21st century, these ancient practices to aid spirituality have also morphed into physical "yoga cleanses" or "detox diets" incorporating asana sequences, pranayama, dietary restrictions and supplements, often promoted by someone who doesn't have any credentials in Western or Ayurvedic nutrition or medical science. They may also be marketed as weight loss programs.

Yoga is a system for stilling the mind, not a weight loss program.

Click the photo above to read yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings' post about yoga and detoxification. Give her a follow if you like her content.

The idea of "detoxing" and "cleansing" is not only associated with Yoga spaces, of course - it shows up all throughout the wellness and diet/weight loss industries. And, not all Yoga spaces include these types of fad "cleanses."

Yoga teachers who promote or facilitate these types of "cleanses" or "detoxes," who do not also hold professional credentials in Nutrition/Dietetics, are operating far outside of their professional scope. This puts them, and their students, at risk. These actions contradict Classical Yoga's Yamas Ahimsa (non-harming) and Satya (truthfulness).

Yoga practitioners who embark upon physical "cleanses" or "detoxes" incorporating dietary restrictions and supplements are taking a risk. They might experience physical or mental benefits from temporarily eliminating some processed foods and drug substances and consuming more whole foods for a period of time, but they are not physiologically "detoxifying." They might also cause harm to their bodies, depending on individual health profile.

Human bodies have built-in detoxification processes, through normal function of:

The liver;
The kidneys;
Digestion;
Exhalation;
and, from increased circulation through any physical activity (including yoga asanas) that supports optimal organ and systems function.

You are invited to browse the following credible resources, and consider for yourself the contrasts between ancient, traditional purification practices originally intended for spiritual growth and progress, VS. a physical fad with little if any scientific validation, associated with diet culture and the $2 trillion United States wellness industry:

"The Origin of Yogic Cleansings" (Ancient Sciences of Life journal article)

"Health and therapeutic benefits of Shatkarma: a narrative review of scientific studies" (Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine)

"'Detoxes' and 'Cleanses:' What You Need to Know" (NICCIH)

"Detox diets for toxin elimination and weight management: a critical review of the evidence," (Abstract from Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics)

"What's the Deal with Detox Diets?" (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)

"What's Being Cleansed in a Detox Diet?" (Harvard Health AdWatch)

"Reality check: Does yoga release toxins from the body?"(CBS News)

"Detoxes, Cleanses and Fasts: What You Should Know" (MD Anderson Cancer Center)