It all started in a second-hand book store; I picked up the book Perfect Health by Deepak Chopra, the place was entirely muddled and this was the book that (as I like to think) "spoke to me."
I was fortunate enough to stumble across this knowledge that would surely change my entire perception of health, eating and lifestyle choices. As any yogi will tell you; Ayurveda is the basis of a balanced lifestyle.
"Ayurveda or "life knowledge" in Sanskrit is a system of alternative medicine that has been practiced in India for centuries. According to Ayurveda, our natural state is one of health, happiness and an inner sense of well-being. Health is defined as the body being clear of toxins, the mind is at peace, emotions are calm and happy, wastes are efficiently eliminated and organs are functioning normally. "
That's when it hit me; we spring clean our apartments, why don't we spring clean ourselves? Most of us would probably end up on one of those hoarding shows, considering the clutter we keep in our bodies for so long. A good spring clean always makes me feel a thousand times better, can you imagine what it would do for my health if I were to 'spring clean' my body as well?
In a busy, stressful and toxic world, our physical and mental systems accumulate toxins causing deterioration in bodily functioning. Ayurveda recommends a seasonal cleanse otherwise know as Panchakarma, a simple detoxifying process. However, its effects are powerful and effective.
"Panchakarma is a unique, natural, holistic, health-giving series of therapeutic treatments that cleanse the body’s deep tissues of toxins, open the subtle channels, bring life-enhancing energy thereby increasing vitality, inner peace, confidence and well-being."- The Ayurvedic Institute
I am pleased to tell you, that I have completed my 7 day spring clean of self. I feel lighter, clearer and have even managed to drop a couple kilograms. I totally recommend exploring your Ayurvedic constitution, and if you have any means of getting hold of Perfect Health; it is a great introduction to Ayurveda.
I was not a cleansing Nazi but instead did what felt good and that was easy enough:
1. No alcohol, caffein, meat or sugar (including fruit and nuts) for 7 days.
2. Tongue scraping; Clean the tongue by gently scraping it with a tongue scraper slowly from back to front five to ten times every morning.
3. Drink digestive tea. I chose ginger and turmeric, which I made myself ever morning.
4. Sinus cleanse of himalayan salt and sterilised water.
5. Oil massage. I was unable to get hold of sesame oil, and used coconut oil which was lovely. Before you bathe massage a thin coating of warmed or room temperature organic oil over your entire body, using long strokes on your limbs and circular strokes on your joints. Follow this with a hot shower and a cool rinse.
6. Yoga practice, even if it's for 30 minutes before you have to leave for work. The deep breathing is really important here.
7. Oats, almond milk and cinnamon for breakfast.
8. Plenty of leafy greens, steamed or lightly stir-fried.
9. Mung beans, used to cleanse the body since it is so nourishing, easy to digest and anti-inflammatory. Hemsley & Hemsley are on it with a great recipe in Vogue Beauty.
The basic idea is simple, clean and nourishing eating. Calming the mind and giving the self a little bit of love and attention. For a more detailed idea of this 7 day cleanse please click here.
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