Spring is a time to cleanse
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Yesterday, we saw the first crocuses peeking their little purple heads. The robins and finches are singing of the promise of another spring.
As spring comes, we like to clean and clear our homes. According to Ayurveda, spring is also a time to cleanse our bodies. During the winter, kapha has built up. Now it’s starting to liquefy, setting off runny noses and allergy symptoms. We also tend to eat heavier food in winter, and to over-indulge during the holidays. This could lead to āma or toxins accumulating. So now it’s time for a good shake-out, dust off and general cleansing.
In Ayurveda, we use a system called panchakarma, or five cleansing actions. These actions are emesis, purgation, oily enemas, decoction enemas and special nose drops.
We prepare ourselves to do these cleansing actions by first cleaning up and simplifying our diet, and by taking some bitter, blood cleansing and anti-parasitical herbs. Next, we get the excess doshas, vata, pitta and kapha ready to move out. This is done be taking special oils or ghee preparations internally. We also oil our body externally (abhyanga) and follow the oiling process by sweating in a tub, hot shower, sweat tent or sauna.
Once we’re well-prepared, we follow the course of cleansing actions recommended by our Ayurvedic practitioner. During that time, we rest and relax and don’t go to work. After the cleansing actions, we go through a process of gradual reintroduction of foods, known as samsarjana krama. Finally, we take rejuvenative herbs and foods to build our strength back after cleansing.
There are a lot of different ways to undergo panchakarma. At Alandi, we focus on home panchakarma, guiding you through treatments you can do yourself at minimal expense. You can also connect with a professional to receive abhyanga and other oil treatments, such as shirodhara, while doing other parts of your cleanse at home.
If you aren’t able to take time off work for panchakarma, you still need to deal with the buildup of kapha and āma from the winter. In this circumstance, a simplified diet, cleansing herbal formula and some selected oil treatments would be a good course of action. So, see your Ayurvedic professional and get spring off to a good start!
Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.
Enliven your holistic health! Visit Alakananda Ma in Alandi Ashram’s ayurvedic clinic to support the overall rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit. In-person and virtual appointments available. Book now!
