An Ayurvedic Cleanse
Last night at the Kirtan in Santa Cruz, I was invited to participate in a 9 day cleanse along with three other fellow Mount Madonna lady friends. Without really discussing much about the details, I jumped at the chance of having the support group for such a ritual. I’ve done cleanses before, but always on my own. This Panchakarma cleanse is based on that prescribed by Dr. Vasant Lad (a leading authority in Ayurvedic medicine) in his book: “The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies“. This Ayurvedic cleanse is noted as helping to prevent future illness and at the same time helping to promote body consciousness and healthy living. It is said to be nourishing and balanced, easily digested, and cleansing in nature. What I like about the book (although I’ve just begun to explore it) is that Dr. Lad offers natural alternatives to conventional medicines and treatments with practical advice and easy-to-follow instructions. That’s especially important to me! So continues my journey along the path towards the ultimate “state of balance” and well-being. So as I delve into the depths of this cleanse, I am learning loads of info not only on cleansing but on the Ayurvedic way of life. It fascinates me more than I expected (although we did study Ayurveda briefly during our Yoga Teacher Training). Panchakarma by definition is a unique, natural, holistic, health-restoring series of treatments that cleanse the body’s deep tissues of toxins. The process appears to be quite simple, yet its effects are most profound. Panchakarma opens the body’s subtle energy channels to increase vitality and inner awareness while enhancing the life force.
Days 1 to 3: Virechan: internal cleansing thru internal oleation (with organic unrefined sesame oil, as I am strongly Vata in dosha). Days 4 to 8: Kitchari Monodiet. Days 6 to 8: Basti: a herbal enema — Colon therapy with herbs (I am using organic Dashmoola as my calming herb for the colon and digestive tract). Day 9: Kitchari with steamed vegetables. Day 10: Break the cleanse.
Something that I have been doing almost daily for the past 4 weeks is especially a good ritual to follow on a cleanse.
Oil Pulling: Theoretically, one may remove fat-soluble toxins from the body before they reach the liver. My routine: After a scraping my tongue first thing upon waking, I’ve been taking 1 tablespoon of organic unrefined sesame oil and vigorously swishing it around in my mouth for ten to fifteen minutes. After spitting it out (beware of the potential for clogged drains with daily oleation), I rinse my mouth several times with warm water followed by brushing my teeth. From what I’ve read, the oil rinse is especially important if the lymph system is congested (common with chronic disease). It is also purportedly very effective with health problems in the head and neck area, including dental problems.
On Dr. Vasant Lad’s cleanse, it is noted that the more I slow down during these next 9 days, the more my body will be able internalize it’s energy for cleansing and healing. That means no strenuous exercise (my energy levels will help to predicate that, I am certain) but rather lovely long walks through the Redwoods, if I feel up to it. Daily yoga, meditation and pranayama will be a perfect accompaniment on this journey. And I’m really excited about the whole process with a lovely support group cheerleading me on!
