Spring is a time of rebirth in nature and is considered the premiere time for cleansing, ridding the body of the toxins, heaviness, and sluggishness accumulated during the winter months. There are many kinds of cleanses to consider but many deplete the body with starvation, laxatives, colonics, astringents, and over-exercising.
In Ayurveda, the cleansing process is known as Panchakarma (means five actions). This modality is a gentle detoxification and rejuvenation process that cleanses the body, mind, and spirit strengthening the immune system restoring balance and wellbeing. It is a cornerstone of an Ayurvedic lifestyle and is done seasonally and when out of balance or is experiencing illness.
Good health depends upon our capability to fully metabolize all aspects of life; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When we can't completely digest food, experiences, and emotions, toxins (Ama) accumulate, creating imbalance and disease.
Ayurveda relies on the bodies digestive systems (Agni) to fully digest, transform, metabolize and absorb what we take in, and when our Agni is strong we efficiently digest food, emotions and stresses and create what is the essence of life, call Ojas. This essence can be envisioned as the innermost sap of our psychophysiology and is the basis for our clarity of perception, physical strength, and immunity.
While it is easy to understand "Agni" and "Ama" with food, it is essential to consider that mentally, emotionally, and spiritually we are continually digesting information that affects our overall health. When our emotional Agni is healthy, we extract the positive aspects and eliminate the negative and long-term discontent, bringing disharmony.
The process of purification begins with an evaluation to determine your constitution and your health concerns, then an individualized program is designed. The process starts with a pre-diet, removing problematic, heavy, binding foods and beverages, and beginning the liver and lymphatic system's detoxification with herbal medicines and foods. This is followed by the "main" cleanse, where each day you practice internal oileation ghee, teas, and herbals with helps you enter in the fat metabolism mode. The Ayurvedic diet is based around kitchari (ayurvedic high protein staple), which balances blood sugar and improves digestion as the body goes through purification. Each day you receive different massages (either self-administered or in a clinic) and body treatments individually designed for your specific concerns and constitution, which move the toxins towards elimination and facilitate rejuvenation.
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