The food we consume and the lifestyle we follow are not exactly conducive to healthy living. In fact, they are wholly responsible for the immense lethargy, sluggishness, and mental fog we experience.
How? Because these directly contribute to the toxins that accumulate in our bodies over time, which then cause all sorts of adverse effects on our moods, energies, cognitive abilities, neurological functions, circulation, digestion, and even skin.
And while we can change our diets and adopt a healthier lifestyle, what about the build-up of toxins already present? It then becomes obvious that the only way to be truly rejuvenated and restored is by eliminating these waste substances. And an Ayurvedic detox provides the most effective solution.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of healing that encompasses a holistic approach in treating illnesses of both the mind and body.
With a focus on understanding and treating the root cause of an illness, instead of simply addressing the symptoms of the disease, Ayurveda has also gained widespread popularity for promoting overall wellbeing and emphasising the need for customised treatment plans based on an individual’s specific doshas and energies.
And with a unique combination of therapies, remedies, and lifestyle changes, Ayurveda offers preventive and curative measures in order to realise the goal of optimal health for the mind, body, and spirit.
The effect of toxins in the human body
It is clear that the build-up of waste materials and toxins in our bodies have a significant and detrimental impact on our wellbeing. In Ayurveda, these toxic products or ama are believed to be a result of improperly digested food, environmental factors such as pollution, medications, poor metabolism, and basically unhealthy lifestyles.
The accumulation of ama in your body can reveal itself through symptoms such as:
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Grogginess
- Joint pain
- Heaviness
- Frequent colds
- Fatigue
Therefore, the elimination of these toxins from the body is a crucial factor in attaining balance, as well as mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
The Ayurvedic Detox
The Ayurvedic detoxification process is essentially a customised program that aims at eliminating ama from all parts of the body in order to ensure a balance of the doshas. It encompasses purges, enemas, and bloodletting; alongside a dietary regimen, herbal supplements, massages, and meditation.
In this way, the traditional Ayurvedic detox eliminates the accumulated ama from the mind and body, while promoting overall health and balance.
Ayurvedic detoxes may be thought of in two main stages: Purvakarma and Panchakarma.
Purvakarma
Purvakarma is essentially an external purification that complements the internal cleansing of Panchakarma; and is actually the first step of the detoxification process (also thought of as the ‘pre-cleanse’). In this, the body is prepped for elimination by the loosening of toxins.
Purvakarma incorporates herbal oils, massages, saunas, and thermal procedures. These basically formulate the snehana, svedana, sarvang, shirodhara, and karnapurana therapies.
Together, they loosen and move the areas with accumulated toxins.
Panchakarma
A 3 to 4 week long treatment, Panchakarma is an intense program that involves 5 main steps. These include:
- Virechan- The use of medicinal powders or pastes to induce purgation
- Vaman– Therapeutic vomiting
- Basti- Administration of enemas of warm, herbal oils
- Rakta Moksha– Bloodletting
- Nasya– Nasal clearing
Cumulatively, these treatments result in the cleansing and detoxification of the digestive tract, and nasal and respiratory passages.
Things to consider:
When learning about the incredible benefits of Ayurvedic detoxes, it is easy to want to leap into the process. This is highly imprudent.
The Ayurvedic detox is a carefully curated medical process which involves multiple organs and systems. As such, it must be carried out only after a detailed consultation with an experienced and licensed Ayurvedic practitioner, and under their expert guidance.
Also, even after consultation, it may be tempting to fast-forward the therapies, or cut out some of the steps involved. Don’t do it! Each step forms a vital part of the cleansing process. So, following the guidelines and instructions given is the only way to ensure a successful detox.
Conclusion
Though still perceived by many as an unconventional treatment, there is no denying the incredible effects of an Ayurvedic detox.
Not only does it remove toxic substances from the body, it also restores balance within the mind and body, tones and rejuvenates, and improves the flow of energy.
In this way, Ayurvedic detoxes promote, restore, and maintain health and balance in every aspect of your being. Not bad for one of the oldest forms of treatment in the world.
Looking to rejuvenate your mind and body, while ridding yourself of constant exhaustion? An Ayurvedic detox may be the perfect treatment for you!
Visit The Ayurvedic Clinic to seek the expert advice from our panel of consultants to get the ideal plan for you.