Introduction
An ayurvedic body cleanse or panchakarma is a way of cleansing the body of unwanted waste through a five step ayurvedic purification process. As an ancient life science spanning a history of over 5000 years, Ayurveda teachings and practices have more than proved themselves in the sphere of overall health and wellness. If you are interested in giving your body a purifying experience find out the right time for ayurvedic cleansing and give yourself the gift of a body that feels amazing.
What is body cleansing in Ayurveda?
An ayurvedic cleanse is all about drawing the toxins from the body and any excess vata, pitta and kapha dosha to regain balance. This is achieved by lubricating the body through five purification procedures that cleanse and detox the body by unblocking channels. An ayurvedic detox is known as panchakarma, derived from two Sanskrit words – pancha which means five and karma that means procedures that help cleanse the body and digestive system. This five-stage treatment incorporates curative, preventive and promotive actions for various diseases.
Ayurveda believes in a wholistic approach to health and as such an Ayurvedic cleanse helps to improve agni or your digestive fire, because in Ayurveda your agni being balanced is one of the most important requirements for good health.
When is a person required to cleanse?
Whenever you start to feel the effects of the build up of toxic by-products of undigested food, experiences and emotions, also referred to as an excess of ama, you should have an ayurvedic cleanse to replenish your body. Other symptoms of excess ama to look out for include feeling irritable, tired, stiffness and aches in the body, weight gain and inability to lose weight, skin problems and an intense craving for sugar or processed foods.
Ayurveda cleansing 3 phases
Consult with an ayurvedic practitioner to formulate a suitable panchakarma program for you which normally lasts about three to four weeks.
Preparation – You will be placed on a recommended diet to promote minimal gut residue while avoiding sugar, processed foods, meat and fish, dairy, beans, caffeine and alcohol. You will be provided with a specialised breakfast lunch and dinner menu, and you will also be asked to hydrate thoroughly with water and herbal teas.
Cleanse – Once your gut has been rested from congesting foods your agni will be fine-tuned and balanced through clean and nourishing eating and the process of ingesting healthy oils. You will also, if you so decide, experience the five-step cleansing process of panchakarma.
Re-introduction – This is the stage of self-care, with warm oil massages, skin brushing, exercise, nasal cleansing with oil, meditation and self-reflection.
Rejuvenate – You will slowly re-introduce normal foods into your diet starting with steamed vegetables and basmati rice while continuing to avoid caffeine, alcohol and meat.
Benefits of body cleansing
When you are undergoing the cleanse or the full panchakarma detox it can feel uncomfortable at times till your body regains its natural state of balance and wellbeing. You will experience a sense of calm and clarity, a renewed sense of energy, vitality and enthusiasm for life. You will be able to maintain a healthy body weight and experience peaceful sleep cycles. Basically you will enjoy optimal health filled with nourishment and rejuvenation.
Conclusion
Despite being an ancient medicinal practice, an ayurvedic lifestyle is easy to adopt and maintain an ayurvedic diet and lifestyle that promotes wellness. In a fast paced world filled with constant external stimulation, an ayurvedic cleanse helps you take time for yourself, to heal, experience weight loss and feel less stressed. If you have not already enjoyed the benefits of an ayurvedic cleanse now is a good time to treat yourself to the experience, by yourself or with a loved one.