Never too late for a spring cleanse

From stiff, heavy and foggy to supple, light and clear

 In early October I led a group of women from Twizel and Dunedin in a 7-day cleanse as part of my assessment as an Ayurvedic Wellness Coach. We prepared a few days ahead by clearing the fridge and pantry, at least temporarily, of foods that don’t support a cleanse, shopping for items that do, and starting to cut down on stimulants and foods that pose a significant burden to the body, like processed sugars and animal products. I knew I would personally benefit from doing the cleanse too so I did, and found that my taste in food (and mental activity) became more refined (less attracted to oily, fried, processed and other toxin laden or heavy or negative stuff). The participants reported that they were better able to listen to the body and its needs (to not just what we find tasty or quick fix / comfort foods) and feeling inspired and informed by the process and the wisdom shared along the way. 

Jump to the end to discover the rest of these tools or read on till you get there eventually.

Blueberries are a super-agent for cleansing!

Optimal Timing for Cleanse

Spring is the natural time to purge and let go of any excess load we’ve

accumulated over winter. At this late stage of spring it’s likely we’re already feeling better, with the weather allowing us to get our and about more and the local harvest already provided some greens that are cleansing by nature.   Ayurveda recommends we eat in line with seasonal harvests and since the spring harvest is a relatively ‘lean’ one, its ok for us to eat lean, minimising fats (more needed for winter storage) and sugars (better for summer busy-ness). A dedicated period of cleansing (1-2 weeks) helps to decrease the toxic load within the body and help the digestive system to function more efficiently. That way, when the high-energy summer-time harvest arrives, the body will be optimally digesting and metabolising, and we’ll be less inclined to overdo it during the holidays. If find that when I've just done a cleanse, I'm much more aware of what impact different types of food (and other objects of the senses) are going to have, and have no trouble saying no to things that I know will set me back or bring me down.

How do I know I might need a Detox

• White covering on the tongue

• Often feeling tired

• Heavy sleep or waking with a fuzzy head

• easily triggered and irritable

• Skin problems like acne & inflammation

• PMS symptoms

• Digestive discomfort, bloating etc.

What can I look forward to feeling post-cleanse?

• Rest and rejuvenate the digestive system; improved elimination

• Clear toxins from the body

• Lower perceived stress & anxiety levels

• Increased energy levels

• A general feeling of lightness

• Increased feelings of vigour/vitality

• Decrease in allergic reaction

• Improved immune system

• Assists blood purification

• Improved quality of diet

• Eliminate free radicals

Here’s how and why I can help

I’ve spent the last five years slowly chipping away at a 500 hour Ayurvedic Wellness Coaching qualification and I’m nearly done. It's been a slow process of not only studying the ancient wisdom of India’s elaborate, nature based medical system, but also adopting to varying degrees its lifestyle habits - drinking honey and lemon in warm water in the mornings, eating my biggest meal when the sun is highest (because the digestive fire is also strongest then), depending on grounding kitchari and dhals when my mind is scattered,  breathing and moving mindfully and practising meditation for its ‘self-satisfying’ impact, for example. Needless to say I'm less qualified than a certified Ayurvedic doctor, one who has not only studied for several years but has often also been raised in a family or community of Ayurveda practitioners, even for lifetimes, they say. There's still a lot I can share to get you started or boost your current wellness journey, to guide you in discovering and refining your approach to this art and discipline of living in harmony with nature  - the nature of our world and the nature of the human body. But there’s also a beautiful simplicity to much of it, that can easily be understood and applied. 

This year I have achieved a 200hr coaching qualification and am now running a 7-day cleanse at the end of November as my first formal short-course offering. Whether you’re located here in Twizel or further afield, I’d love you to join me! Find out more at madhuri.co.nz/events-1 or contact me directly to tell me about where you're on on your wellness journey and how I can support you personally to deepen your understanding and lift your game!