an ayurvedic cleanse: part 1

we had a sweet surprise this week. fawns are common around our cabin this time of year. even two at a time. but this week we had the pleasure of three babies sniffing and nibbling around our home making us all smile. aren't they beautiful?

i am planning to start an ayurvedic cleanse next week. such cleanses are often done in spring and fall. however. i am eager to step in anyway and get some practice before making time again this fall. i have been healing and reversing asthma and churg strauss for almost two years now. it is safe to say that i have been living a cleansing life-style, and it has allow for me to come off all pharmaceuticals and inhalers and feel better than i have in at least 10-15 years. oh, i'm so grateful. yet, i have learned enough to be able to read my body's signs and know that more healing is needed. my lymphatic system, my liver, and my digestion, in general, still need much TLC, and quieting my life and my body more by stepping into a deeper cleanse or fast, i trust, will give my body much peace to more easily heal deeper. very simply put, an ayurvedic cleanse is about 3-7 days long, and it is a monodiet of kitchari with the beverage of warm water. it can truly be that simple. 

the main goal is to loosen impurities and stimulate the lymphatic system, which is our main line of detoxification. making time for deeper cleanses or fasts is new to me. if it is for you also, i'll share an overview of this "act of compassionate self-care" based on what i have learned from the dear kate o'donnell:

what an ayurvedic cleanse does?

• removes difficult to digest foods from the diet
• enables the body + its organs to rest + relax
• softens impurities + the channels that eliminate them

before you begin,

• make a batch of kitchari to get the hang of it.
• familiarize yourself with seasonal produce (for herbs + veggies to add in) -- here's summer produce.

while walking through the cleanse,

• listen to your body's natural cravings for seasonal produce.
• listen to your body's natural cravings for more or less movement (yoga, walks, gardening...).

the menu each day

• enjoy the juice of half a lime or lemon in a tall glass of warm water; no caffeine
•  make a fresh batch of kitchari which will be used for your 3-4 meals that day. 
• no snacking in between meals; do not eat if you are not hungry.
• drink nothing cold. in between meals sip or drink room temperature or warm water. it is gentle on the digestive track and helps to move the lymphatic system. fresh slices of ginger root in warm or hot water is an easy, + good alternative beverage, too.

extra kindness that can be added each day

• dry skin brushing before showers or baths
• gentle oil massages in the evening before sleep (with sesame, sunflower, or grapeseed oil)
• rest + relaxation are key elements of detoxification -- create a restful, safe environment for the body to release toxins
• gently sweat by using a sauna or taking a hot bath
• go to bed early, lying down an hour or two earlier than normal

signs of a successful cleanse

• any white coating on your tongue clears up
• your breath is fresh
• you have regular bowel movements without gas or bloating
• the whites of your eyes are clear
• you feel brighter, more energetic
• any lingering sinus or chest congestion is gone

kate o'donnell's lifestyle and cookbook called everyday ayurveda has been a  beautiful friend + blessing on my healing journey and is what has inspired me stepping into this cleanse. i'll share a few alternative healing recipes that can be used during this cleanse, if interested, in part 2.

blessed Healing to us all, 

amy luella