Illness has a way of knocking us down in order to get us out of our own way. Fasting plus rest is nature’s universal prescription for all ailments. Ayurveda offers simple and practical methods to maintain health and prevent disease through the use of such tools as proper daily and seasonal routines. Ayurvedic cleansing and detoxification is a preventative process that boosts the body’s immune system and revitalizes the body systems.

WHY CLEANSE?
There are certain times of year that are better for cleansing than others. Detoxifying in spring and fall are an important part of the Ayurvedic seasonal routine - disease prevention and wellness are the natural result of regular seasonal cleanses. Cleansing is essential in our lives today as we are bombarded with chemicals such as pesticides and food additives; pollution; sugar; drugs; alcohol and large amounts of poor quality food. Many of us also suffer from stress due to fast paced modern living.

SIGNS OF TOXINS IN YOUR BODY
Proper digestion is crucial for health. When the digestive process is incomplete or inefficient, partially digested food matter is left behind in the digestive system. This substance, called 'Ama' in Ayurveda, is toxic to the physiology. It builds up over time and clogs the channels of the body, causing disease.

How to tell if you have ama build-up

  1. Your tongue has a white coating in the morning.
  2. You feel sleepy, or have abdominal bloating and gas after a main meal.
  3. Your appetite is poor and you crave junk foods.
  4. You feel fatigued, lethargic and unmotivated.
  5. You're often "spaced out" and you find it difficult to concentrate.
  6. You feel heavy and congested or constipated and have a general sense of malaise, with vague aches and pains.

Immunity in Search of Balance
Inadequate Immune System function means you will be prone to Infections and more seriously cancer. Excessive Immune System function means you will be prone to Allergies and Auto-immune diseases. Basically through stress, improper diet and lifestyle your immune system can become weakened, confused or aggressive and it may start operating from a ‘fear-based’ mode causing diseases like MS, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus etc. Basically the immune cells cannot discriminate between friend or foe.

If you experience these symptoms you'll benefit greatly from detoxification.

AYURVEDIC CLEANSING DIET
Ayurveda advises a cleansing mono-diet based on a balanced, healing food known as Kitchari (basmati rice, split mung beans, ghee and spices). It is an ideal cleansing diet for the digestive system and helps remove toxins and allergens from the body. Ordinary fasts that many people attempt often are too limited in food value and are used for a very short time. Many of us become too weak and fatigued to function normally as is often required of us even during a fasting period. Kitchari supplies the needed food for energy, vitamins and minerals we need while gently cleansing and toning the system.

PANCHA KARMA
Pancha Karma is the single most powerful healing therapy utilized in Ayurveda. It is a process (not a procedure) that is beneficial in the healing of many conditions. The aim of Pancha Karma is to remove toxins (ama) and excess doshas from the body and mind and then rebuild the internal strength (ojas) of the body. It is indicated in the management of acute disease in strong patients but also it is a great preventative measure when administered on an annual or semi-annual basis.

The 3 Phases of Pancha Karma

  1. Purva Karma- Preparatory techniques INCLUDING light diet, internal and external oil therapy (Ayurvedic massage) and heat therapy : (1 - 4 weeks)
  2. Pradhan Karma (the main techniques for elimination: 5 - 10 days)
  3. Praschat Karma (follow up techniques for rejuvenation of mind and body: 21 - 28 days)

Hence, a complete program of Pancha Karma, properly applied, can take nearly 2 months. Each phase is essential to the process and failure to properly perform any one of them decreases the results.

Please call to discuss your specific circumstances and we can agree upon the best setting for you to go through your Pancha Karma.