Spring Cleanse: Why on Earth Would You Do That?

This past Sunday my husband Brian and I began a week-long Ayurvedic cleanse. The principles of the cleanse were pretty simple:

• Consume no meat, dairy, wheat, sugar, processed foods,  caffeine, or alcohol
• Eat lots of spring greens, especially the bitter ones
• Eat organic produce whenever possible
• Eat no leftovers. (Preparing food one day ahead for lunch would be allowed.)
• Eat fruit that is lightly cooked or eat it with hot tea
• Eat foods appropriate for our doshas (he’s Kapha; I’m Pitta-Kapha),
• Have detox tea after each meal
• Drink lots of water
• No iced beverages
• Get extra rest

I also committed to practicing some of the traditional kriyas: neti (nasal cleansing) and kapalabhati (a breathing exercise), and candle gazing as well as daily meditation and Ayurvedic self-massage.

Since beginning the cleanse, I’ve gotten lots of questions on what is and why on earth we’re doing it. Here’s my best answer (please keep in mind I’m new at all this!).

When digestion is efficient and complete, all of the food we eat is either converted into fuel for the body or flushed out as waste. However, the modern diet is hard on the digestion system and partially digested food matter gets left behind in the digestive system. This leftover toxic substance is called ama in Ayurveda. Modern science supports the notion of this toxic build up in the colon; for example it’s estimated that eating a high fiber diet can reduce your risk of colon cancer by 40%. Dr Oz of Oprah fame once did a demonstration to show how your colon gets filled with a toothpaste-like substance if you don’t eat enough fiber. That toothpaste-like substance is ama.

Ayurveda recognizes that this build up of ama affects not only your digestive system, but your entire being. A build-up of ama can make you slow, foggy, constipated, and spaced-out.

The goal of the cleanse is to get rid of the ama, leaving you with more clarity and energy. Because the cleanses are done seasonally, they also allow you to settle into the foods and rhythms of the new season. The cleanse is a restorative process and leaves one feeling rested, rejuvenated, clear, and energized.

So, that’s the theory. More later on how it went!