Spring is in the air and with it that intrinsic desire to leave the cold reminders of winter behind, leaping into warmer, sunny days ahead. We might begin to think about our gardens, decorate eggs with our kiddos and embrace this season of rebirth.
The idea of a cleanse often goes hand-in-hand with this bright season. This may be spring-cleaning our home – ridding our living space of unused clothing and clutter – or our bodies – detoxing this more permanent home of ours, shifting our minds, bodies and kitchens to shed some of the winter weight we held onto for warmth.
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Ayurveda + Spring
Ayurveda, the ancient study of life and self-care, and sister-science to yoga, views all transitions as a time of vulnerability; the seasonal turn from winter into spring is no exception. At this time of year, the kapha dosha (the constitution of earth and water) is in full force in our bodies and with it excess congestion and slower digestion. To balance this abundance of moisture and weight, as well as to rid the body of an accumulation of ama (toxins) that build over the winter, Ayurveda prescribes a specific seasonal self-care treatment: panchakarma.
Ayurveda, the ancient study of life and self-care, and sister-science to yoga, views all transitions as a time of vulnerability; the seasonal turn from winter into spring is no exception. At this time of year, the kapha dosha (the constitution of earth and water) is in full force in our bodies and with it excess congestion and slower digestion. To balance this abundance of moisture and weight, as well as to rid the body of an accumulation of ama (toxins) that build over the winter, Ayurveda prescribes a specific seasonal self-care treatment: panchakarma.
What is Panchakarma?
Traditional panchakarma is an extensive (and supervised) three-step purification therapy crafted to:
Traditional panchakarma is an extensive (and supervised) three-step purification therapy crafted to:
- rid the body of toxic build-up (ama)
- re-balance the doshas
- strengthen the digestive fire (agni)
This intensive cleansing process includes:
- preparing the body through diet, oil massage and sweat therapies
- purifying the body through purgation, herbal enemas, herbal nasal remedies and blood cleansing
- following up with a return to healthy lifestyle and diet
Ayurvedic Cleansing for Caregivers (and my own experience)
Fortunately, there are effective, easy and inexpensive alternatives to this intensive cleansing, which can be done in the comfort of our own homes.
Fortunately, there are effective, easy and inexpensive alternatives to this intensive cleansing, which can be done in the comfort of our own homes.
Before discovering Ayurveda, I was the “Queen of the Cleanse”. As a kapha-vata dosha, I have struggled to balance the dichotomy of excess body weight and an anxious mind – a tricky combination. I have completed juice cleanses, tea fasts, 21-day resets, and usually with great success. I felt great afterwards. My problem was that during the cleanse the increased vata in my system, due to hunger, would make me a raging b*tch and I would have zero energy.
As the mother of a busy toddler, those side effects are deal-breakers and they undermine the philosophy of sacred self-care.
Implementing Ayurvedic cleansing techniques, I recognized three features that increased my success:
- Because it is a mono-diet, we are restricting what we eat but not how much and when (within reason, of course). The cleanse is meant to bring about balance, not imbalance and hence incorporates all 6 tastes (versus a juice cleanse, for instance, where our palettes only receive sweet and sour).
- It is not only our digestive system that is being cleaned – not only the deepest tissues (via massage and essential nutrients) – but fully our body, mind and spirit. The strong encouragement to go inwards and spend more time in reflection, meditation, massage, prayer and gentle asanas validates that we are not only a stomach and fat cells, but that we also must clean our entire beings in order to effectively heal and prepare for the new season.
- Cleansing is always adjusted to fit our personal constitutions. It is more effective because it is never a one-size-fits all treatment.
The Essence of an Ayurvedic Cleanse
A typical spring cleanse:
A typical spring cleanse:
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With spring, Ayurveda recognizes that we are welcoming new life and a new year. I encourage you to take this time to reconnect with yourself and cleanse yourself on all levels.
Happy spring-cleaning!
Alyssa Geiger