Ayurveda is one of the oldest healing sciences in the world. Above all, it suggests safe and healthy detox methods for healing. Unlike other quick cleanses or fasts, this adopts a holistic method of wellness. In other words, it benefits both your mind and psyche. There are various methods you can use to cleanse each of your bodily systems. This article gives you an overview of this – make sure to choose one which suits you best.

According to Ayurveda, the world we live in constitutes five elements. These are air, water, earth, air, and ether. Different combinations of these form the three humours of the body – known as vata, pitta, and kapha. Each of these exist optimally for proper health. Thus, any imbalances between these doshas can cause illnesses. For instance, such this can disrupt optimal levels of waste products as well – such as urine, faces, or sweat. Therefore, this can result in illnesses such as diarrhoea, asthma, and the flu, among others.

In this regard, detoxes are essential to restoring ideal health. It can freshen your body and mind, cleansing it of waste from food or stress (ama). However, each person differs in their dosha makeup, which thus causes health outcomes to differ as well. Hence, some people are more suited to certain detox methods than others. For this reason, make sure to consult a seasoned Ayurvedic doctor to choose a detox method in accordance with your dosha type.

Detoxifying Your Body

Have you been feeling sluggish or bloated? Does your body feel heavy and fatigued? Look no further than the Purvakarma. This is a method directing toxins to your skin and bowels for excretion. Some specific cleansing techniques to achieve this include oil massages, steaming, or Shirodhara (pouring hot oil over the forehead).

Above all is the Panchakarma, a fivefold method of cleansing. These namely involve cleansing through powders, pastes, or herbal plants, purging, massages, bloodletting, and nasal cavity clearance. However, not all processes are suitable for everyone. Make sure you know your dosha type before opting for a detoxification process. You can click here to learn more about Panchakarma.

There are multiple tools you can use to cleanse your body. Further, you can use these to manage congestion, sleep, and digestive health. For instance, herbal remedies, supplements, enemas and pills can help you cure this. However, make sure to consult a doctor to be on the safe side.

Detoxifying Your Diet

There is no one-size-fits-all diet in this world. In other words, Ayurveda recommends a diet tailored to your dosha. Nevertheless, there are some toxic foods which everyone should avoid. For instance, alcohol, caffeine, red meat, and extra sugar can harm your body in medium to large doses. Each dosha has an array of foods to choose from. So, pick foods which suit your region, season, and test.

First, the pitta-dominant diet includes foods which are sweet, energising, cold, and bitter. Among grains, these include barley, oats, rice, and wheat. Further, non-starchy vegetables, dairy, eggs, legumes, and certain spices (e.g. turmeric, cardamom and mint). On the other hand, they should avoid spicy, acidic, hot and sour and sour foods. Further, specific vegetables to avoid include potatoes, eggplants, and tomatoes. They should also be wary of nuts, seeds, and dry fruits.

Second, those who are kasha-dominant should go for spicy and acidic foods. This includes most fruits (especially apples, cherries, mangoes and pears) as well as vegetables (especially cruciferous or bitter forms). Further, they should go for grains such as barley, rice, millets, legumes, and meat such as chicken or turkey. On the other hand, they should avoid heavy, fatty foods in general, such as nuts, seeds, fats and oils, and even white beans and black lentils.

Third, vata dominance implies a need for warm, moist, and easily digestible foods, such as sweet fruits (eg. berries, banana, grapefruit, apples, mangoes, oranges) and soft vegetables (eg. sweet potatoes and leafy greens). Some grains to include are wheat, oats, and brown rice. Further, some healthy proteins and fats you can include are dairy, eggs, lean meat, and nuts and seeds.

Finally, people across dosha types should drink enough water and tea, limit distractions, and eat till satisfaction (but not fullness).

Ayurvedic Massages

Make sure to go for a regular massage – both before and after an Ayurvedic detox – to cleanse your body of impurities. There are a number of massage forms you can opt for. For instance, Abhyanga is a massage form which uses warm, herbal-infused oil to soothe the body. This can maintain youth, retain hair and skin health, and cleanse your lymphatic system.

In most cases, Ayurvedic professionals should be your go-to option for a massage. They can understand your needs and create a customised massage accordingly. Most importantly, they hold a license and years of expertise behind them. Thus, this makes it less likely for you to feel injured or receive a less-than-ideal experience.

However, such an option may not always be accessible. Hence, you can try out a self-massage at least once a day. Similarly, various movement practices can supplement these massages. For instance, yoga and tai chi can target your pressure points and revitalise your organs.

Detoxifying your Mind

Meditation and mindfulness are core components of wellness. They ground you too the earth and bring peace of mind. Most importantly, it can help you get rid of distractions, anxiety, and stress, and also increase creativity and self awareness. Go for a 30-60 minute meditation session to cleanse your mind and reap the benefits. Alternatively, you can go for a simpler 5-10 minute meditation session on busy days or if you face a time crunch.

In its very essence, mindfulness requires you to remain in the present moment. In other words, it brings your attention to the very purpose of a task. Thus, no movement is extra or wasted. Best of all, this is a simple tool to incorporate into your daily life. For instance, gently refocus your attention while eating, exercising, or performing other daily task. Overall, this will give you a sense of fulfilment in even seemingly mundane tasks.

Takeaways

If you are considering a detox, look no further than the Ayurvedic ways. This is because Ayurveda focuses on all-round wellness. Thus, whether you wish to cleanse your mind, body, or diet, it has something to offer. However, make sure you know the benefits and drawbacks to each of these, so you can carry it out safely. Likewise, try consulting a doctor or expert if possible to choose a detox form which suits you best.

Click here to find out how to detox the Ayurveda way. 

Read about the 16 takeaways from the best detox retreats in India here. 

Click here to join us here at Mekosha for an Ayurvedic retreat in Kerala.