Ayurvedic Cleanse Explained

Cleansing is a hot topic in our society -- but why? Well, people are drawn to detoxing for various reasons. Some include: drop weight, reduce cravings, shift dietary or mental patterns, improve digestion and/or hit a reset button. As there are many reasons for cleansing, there are many options for cleansing as well. Some popular cleanses include: juicing, shakes, fasting, eating raw and/or a diet consisting of whole foods. 

Prior to learning about Ayurveda, I had never participated in a cleanse. My interest was zero to none. The idea of not eating food seemed drastic, harsh AND plus I get really hungry. During my studies with Dr. Paul Dugliss from New World Ayurveda, I learned about the practical application of Ayurvedic cleansing. This style of cleansing is different, and has been practiced for thousands of years. I have since participated in an Ayurvedic cleanse every spring and fall since 2014, and am convinced from my experience that mind, body and spirit under-go a healthy release and reset. It is something that I genuinely look forward to. 

Ayurvedic cleansing is different than most cleanses for a few reasons:

You Eat!

Our bodies are intelligent. If suddenly you stop eating, your body can go into survival mode also known as adaptive thermogenesis [1]. Survival mode means that even if caloric intake is reduced, weight will remain or may even increase. It also means that the body is holding on to everything it possibly can, and is using its natural defense mechanism to keep you alive for the "famine" or lack of food available. This begs a question: how can the body remove toxins if it's in survival mode? 

Cleansing should be gentle for exactly this reason! Ayurvedic cleansing uses a very special and well formulated meal - kitchari. It is designed to create satisfaction and provide necessary nutrients so the body does not go into survival mode. Kitchari is mung beans, rice, spices and ghee which makes it the perfect meal of fat, protein and carbohydrates. 

Self-Care Practices And Emotional Release

Many cleanses require a lot of emotional energy to stick-with-it. They test willpower, which can be emotionally exhausting. Yes, any cleanse requires a certain amount of accountability and commitment. However, Ayurvedic cleansing is designed to be simple and nourishing. Practice self-care techniques that are used to aid in emotional release - such as mindfulness (breath practice and meditation), self massage and ample sleep.

Ayurveda suggests that fat cells store emotions. Therefore, emotions can get "stuck" in the body. The cleanse uses ghee, clarified butter, to pull fat soluble toxins from the body which also releases emotions. [2] In addition, ghee feeds the healthy microbes in the gut. Butyric acid is the main fatty acid in ghee, and it happens to be the preferred source of energy for the intestinal cells. [3] Gut health and emotions are certainly connected! [4]

It’s All About Digestion

Impaired digestion is the bridge to disease. Inability to digest foods well is a sign that digestion needs a reboot. Wheat + dairy are well-known culprits that are hard to digest in our society. 

Liken your digestion to fire. If you put a lot of liquid on a fire the fire will go out. If you put too many logs on the fire it will go out. If you put the right amount of wood on the fire, it will roar! This is the idea behind Ayurvedic cleansing, feed the body the correct food and correct portions to kindle the fire. Once the fire is strong, it will "burn up" or cleanse undigested foods, undigested experiences and environmental toxins. 

Group Cleanse

Shri Wellness hosts Ayurvedic cleanses twice yearly - spring and fall. If you are interested in joining a group cleanse this fall, please consider our guided 12 day home detox. For further questions please contact us!

The Ayurvedic Clock

Ayurveda provides a framework for how to sync the mind and body up to the rhythm of nature. When we are in tune and in the flow with the cosmos then energy is steady, digestion is strong and the mind is clear. Life becomes easier because we are swimming with the current - not against it. 

The Ayurvedic clock is broken down into six cycles. Three cycles occur during the day and three during the night. 

Before laying out the clock, it is beneficial to understand the energies which guide us. Ayurveda is based on the five great elements: earth, water, fire, air and space. These elements combine to create three doshas. Dosha is a sanskrit word which provides understanding to the elements and relating qualities. The three doshas govern mental and physical response. 

Vata is the lightest dosha comprised of air and space.
Pitta is the hottest dosha comprised of fire and a little water.
Kapha is the densest dosha comprised of earth and water. 

Day Cycle

6a - 10a - Kapha Time
Dense kapha energy is strong at this time. It is best to engage in movement and exercise because there is already natural lubrication and strength in the physical body. Exercise also shakes any lethargy or heaviness in the mind.

10a - 2p - Pitta Time
The sun is at the highest point in the sky which increases the fire element. Use the hot, fire-like energy in your advantage and enjoy a large, slow lunch because the digestive fire is strongest this time of the day!

2p - 6p - Vata Time
Vata invokes light and mobile energy, so harness this energy through a focus on work. The subtle and expansive qualities offer greater creativity and productivity.  It is also a time of transition from the day cycles to night cycles. 

Night Cycle

6p - 10p - Kapha Time
Enjoy a light meal. Digestion is not as strong during this time of the day. Supper is supposed to be supplemental meaning it should supplement the mid-day meal. If unable to exercise in the morning, this is a good alternate time to exercise. Get into bed and aim to be asleep before 10p while the dense energy can ease you into a restful night's sleep.

10p - 2a - Pitta Time
During this time, the fire and transformative energy of pitta is used to detox the system. It is important to be asleep before 10p, or else you may catch a second wind of energy. Being awake during this time affects your liver's ability to clean house or clean and repair your body.

2a - 6a - Vata Time
Start your day bright and early! The air is naturally lighter which makes for an easier transition into your day. You may notice that you are groggy if you wake after 6a during the kapha time. However, it is important that you get sufficient rest or waking up before 6a will be challenging. 

Conclusion

Have you noticed any of these energies in your daily life? It can be overwhelming to think about switching your routine up. Habits are hard to break! The invitation is to begin noticing how the energy of each dosha affects your mind and body at certain times of the day. Perhaps start by slowly retiring to bed a little bit earlier each week over a few weeks, or have a slightly larger lunch than dinner. It is encouraged to make small changes and adjust habits over time!

Simple Kale Salad

Simple Kale Salad

Kale has received lots of press over the past few years. It is widely known as a superfood because it is dense with nutrients. According to The World's Healthiest Foods, here are all the nutrients in just one cup of kale: vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, copper, vitamin B6, fiber, calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin E, vitamin B2, magnesium, vitamin B1, protein, phosphorus, omega-3 fats, vitamin B3, folate.

This is a great dish when you need a lighter meal, but best not to have daily or too frequently. Particularly in the winter. The pepper flakes and lemon stimulate digestion.

Recipe adapted from Dr. Weil's Kale Salad.

Dosha Considerations - Good for kaphas in moderation. Reduce for pittas and avoid pepper flakes. Avoid for vatas. 

Serving Size: 2
Prep Time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 8 large leaves of kale
• Lemon juice, half of large or full small
• Olive oil, equal amount to lemon juice
• Salt + pepper
• Hot red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS

1. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, pinch of salt, pinch of pepper, and a generous pinch of hot red pepper flakes in small bowl or cup.
2. Chop kale into small pieces and place in large serving bowl.
3. Pour dressing over kale and toss well.
4. Let kale sit for at least 15 minutes then toss again before serving.

Tips to Naturally Defeat A Cold

When you find yourself or your loved ones under the weather there are many natural remedies at your fingertips that boost immunity. Below are six tips to support mind, body and spirit when the common cold gets you down.

1. Sleep and Rest - This is the most important tip to get over a cold. When we rest, our body rejuvenates itself. Rejuvenation is when the body repairs and becomes whole again. Be sure to get in bed as early as possible. Aim to be asleep by 10p at the latest. However, if you can get into bed by 8p or 9p that is even better! It is said that every hour of sleep before midnight is worth double that after midnight. 

2. Warm, Soothing Bath with Epsom Salt + Essential Oils  - Nothing feels better than a bath when sick! Let the warm water soothe your achy body, and relax your mind with essential oils. Here are two places to find high quality essential oils: Floracopeia and Mountain Rose Herbs.

Bath Soak:
1 - 1 1/2 cups of Epsom Salt
Essential Oils Of Choice - (I used 10 drops of eucalyptus, 5 sweet orange and 5 clove bud)

Plug bath, and begin running warm bath water. Place epsom salt near the drain and continue filling bath up. Add in essential oils of choice. Once full, hop in and soak away! 

3. Eucalyptus Steam - This is a safe and natural way to open sinuses. Boil 1 cup of hot water on the stove top. Remove from stove and place somewhere flat where you can lean over safely. Add 8 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Either cover head with a cloth or cover pot with cloth, lean over pot and inhale.

4. Hot Liquids -  Stay warm with hot liquids. Sip on herbal tea or even plain hot water. The warmth aids digestion. Digestion is weakened when sick, so be mindful to feed your body warm, well-cooked and nourishing foods! More on that below. :)

5. Simple Foods - Kitchari is a staple in Ayurveda. It is a blend of easy-to-digest mung beans, white basmati rice, spices and ghee. Kitchari was created to nourish the young, elderly, and the sick. Here is a lovely recipe. Another option is simple well-cooked rice or lentil dish. Add in some savory spices such as cumin, turmeric, salt and pepper. 

6. The Sun! - Even a very minute amount of sun can revitalize the body. The sun exudes prana or life energy. It also acts as a mood booster and lifts the spirit when colds can bring us down. 

Why Holistic Healing?

Questions about alternative forms of medicine and healing is normal and even healthy. You need — and deserve — to know how it will affect your body. I have decided to answer some common questions about holistic healing and using Ayurveda as an alternative healing style.

What is holistic healing?
 

The American Holistic Health Association describes holistic medicine as, “the art and science of healing that addresses the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.” Unlike Western medicine where the immediate symptoms are diagnosed and treated, holistic medicine and healing focuses on the underlying cause of the symptoms, whether that’s stress, inflammation, poor diet, gut health issues, etc. Holistic medicine focuses on curing that underlying cause, which will then promote optimal health.

Another subtle but important distinction is that in Western medicine the absence of disease equates to health. However, in holistic healing, the absence of disease does not always equate to being vibrant and feeling well. Holistic healing believes that prevention is key. As an example, if digestion and elimination are not functioning properly,  if sleep is poor, or if constant stress is present these are signs that health is not optimal. Let's examine elimination (bowel movements) from the Western perspective in comparison to Ayurvedic medicine. Western medicine does not see lack of daily elimination as a health concern. If someone were to skip a day or two then that's within the normal range of elimination. However, in Ayurveda, we recognize this as the first sign of an imbalance and breeding ground for disease to manifest. Toxins are being recirculated in the body, and it just doesn't feel good!

Why do people use holistic healing/ medicine?
 

Holistic healing and medicine’s focus on mind and spirit is what makes it stand out from Western medicine and what makes it appealing.  By focusing on a patient’s mind and spirit, holistic healers and physicians form a special relationship with each of their patients. They get to know them on a deeply personal and spiritual level. Holistic healers and physicians urge their patients to, “evoke the healing power of love, hope, humor, and enthusiasm, and to release the toxic consequences of hostility, shame, greed, depression, and prolonged fear, anger, and grief,” (ahha.org).

What types of practices are considered “holistic?”
 

According to Mary Jo Kreitzer, RN, PhD from the University of Minnesota, holistic healing encompasses an array of practices and therapies. Below is a breakdown of different methodologies:

1. Biologically based therapies (or naturally occurring therapies) include herbal medicines and aromatherapy (essential oils). Both of these therapies use plant and other biological based materials topically and as ingestibles. These therapies have gained popularity recently but have been used for thousands of years. Diet therapy is another notable holistic healing form.

2. Manipulative body based therapies encompass the healing power of touch through massage therapy, chiropractic adjustments and reiki, a vibrational healing practice. 

3. Mind-body interventions include relaxation classes and focus on behavioral, spiritual, social, and psychological approaches like meditation and visualizations. Yoga nidra is a another great example.

4. Energy therapies use energy in the form of electromagnetic, ultrasonic, thermal, or subtle energy to heal. Examples include reiki, healing touch and chakra exploration/awareness through the subtle body energies. 

5. Alternative medical systems which includes Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. Both healing systems focus on healing through physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Chinese Medicine includes practices such as acupuncture, tai chi and qi gong. Ayurveda, known as the sister-science of yoga, includes meditation, sleep, a nourishing and balanced diet, and nature and love as healing modalities.  Read more about Ayurveda below.

What healing modalities does Ayurveda include?
 

Ayurveda includes many healing modalities! Some practices include: yoga, aromatherapy, massage, diet, meditation, sleep, herbal remedies, self-care, lifestyle recommendations, counseling, jyotish, panchakarma, subtle body awareness and marma point therapy.

Is holistic healing for me?
 

In my experience, people who try any method of holistic healing see benefit. By focusing on curing the root cause of the ailment they are able to gain profound understanding of how the mind, body, and spirit work harmoniously together. Individuals learn to appreciate the energies and emotions within and around them. J.R. Worsley, the man credited with bringing acupuncture to the West said, “If the body is sick, the mind worries and the spirit grieves; if the mind is sick, the body and spirit will suffer from its confusion; if the spirit is sick, there will be no one to care for the body or mind.”

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