Fall Renewal

Many of us live on the rollercoaster of life and overwhelm our bodies and minds with food and media that they cannot fully digest. In Ayurveda we call the left overs of incomplete digestion “ama.” These leftovers are more likely to ferment or linger just like in your kitchen. The ama that is formed during incomplete digestion is sticky and thick, like glue.  This glue like substance starts in the intestines and compromises our ability to absorb energy and nutrition from the food that we eat. If the process is not remedied the ama moves from the intestinal lining into the gut associated lymphatic tissue. At this point it becomes part of the lymphatic system which will spread the ama to the rest of the body. In channels where there is weakness or previous trauma the ama (knows as “toxins” in western nomenclautre) will create blockages and eventually diseases of affluence.

We have come to call ama toxins in the western nomenclature and the diseases of affluence are what come from the blockages in the channels. Channels that regulate fluids in the body are the primary channels necessary for effective function of the body. Biofluid or any biological fluid within the body is both intracellular and extracellular. There are many different kinds of biofluid but in cleansing we are mostly concerned with white blood cells (immune response), neurotransmitters (mind and emotions), hormones (endocrine function), and steroids (pain mitigation). These are the primary reasons people come to cleansing and these are systems that are most easily treated with an Ayurvedic cleanse.Here are two examples. When the fluids of the body are not able to get to a joint that has been injured the inflammatory process continues and the joint begins to degenerate. Similarly, when the neurotransmitters are unable get to the thyroid gland to communicate what is going on in the rest of the body, the thyroid gland continues pumping out unnecessary hormones.

With these examples, it is clear that the fluid system of the body is of prime importance. As we age our fluids dry up and cause us to feel old. There is something we can do. We can adopt daily rituals or seasonal rituals that prevent ama from forming or remove it after it has formed. The fall yoga and ayurveda cleanse does both. There are many ways to purify your body and mind and you can choose a way that works well for you. If you would like to have an individualized cleanse with the support of a group then look for our seasonal cleanse classes. If you are needing a more supportive option contact me. If you are not ready for such an endeavor I have outlined a gentle home cleanse that you can follow to declog your digestive system.  This approach can be followed for as long as is needed. You can do it for a day, a week, a month. It is up your choice.

Ayurvedic home cleanse

The following advice will be focused on dietary decisions that will improve your overall health by decreasing your exposure to toxicity and improving the bodies function.

Diet:

Lunch can be the largest meal of your day. It contains the following five components in these proportions:

1. 50% fresh vegetables lightly sautéed or steamed (leafy greens are best, try veggies you don’t normally eat)
2. 25% whole grain
3. 25% beans (small legumes such as mung dahl or French lentils are best)
4. Spices to aid digestion
   • Indian: cumin, coriander, turmeric, fennel
   • Italian: oregano, basil, parsley, rosemary
   • Other: ginger, black pepper in small quantities

5. Lassi ( ½ cup water and ½ cup organic plain whole milk yogurt with 1/16tsp cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger)

Dinner is the smallest meal of the day and can be eaten before 6pm for the best results

1. 50% fresh vegetables lightly sautéed or steamed (variety is key here)
2. 25% whole grain
3. 25% beans (small legumes such as mung dahl or French lentils are best)
4. Spices to aid digestion

Breakfast is optional if you have hunger go ahead and eat one of the options below

1. Cooked apple or pear with spices
2. Whole grain cereal (steel cut oats or quinoa) with unsweetened nut milk and raisins

A snack can be eaten in the afternoon

1. Organic fruit, no more than two cups
2. Soaked dry fruit

Drink a digestive tea throughout the day:

Mix 1/4 tsp of cumin, coriander, and fennel seed in 1 qt or spring water and drink warm. Add boiled water to the seed throughout the day and keep drinking the tea until 6pm.

For the best results avoid the following foods:

• Meat
• Sugar
• Fried food
• Dairy except for the lassi
• Bread and gluten
• Cold water (room temperature or hot water is preferred)
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Vinegar
• Chili peppers

Follow this approach for seven days and see the benefits.

Wanting more suggestions check out other home cleanses:

Doctor Blossom
Yoga Journal
Yoga International

Wanting your cleanse to individualized, supervised, and herbalized, join our Fall Yoga and Ayurveda Cleanse.