Ritucharya: An Ayurvedic Seasonal Cleanse to Detoxify the Body and Mind.
Hallelujah, the mornings are cooling off and we are beginning the transition from Summer to Fall. When this transition happens, you may begin to notice your body and/or mind are feeling a bit different. Perhaps you are sensing familiar symptoms that tend to reoccur during this transition? Maybe you are experiencing a completely new imbalance. Much of this will depend on how we managed our diet and lifestyle over the past summer months. Notice if you are feeling dull and lethargic, having aches or pain, allergies, or weight changes. Are you feeling anxious, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, metabolism, or digestion?
Because fall is finally here in Arizona it is time to plan for a gentle seasonal cleanse and boost your immune system. According to Ayurveda, the transitions between Summer into Autumn and Winter to Spring are the two ideal times during the year for performing Ritucharya aka a seasonal cleanse. This practice helps us to clear out the old and prepare for the upcoming season. The time and the window of cleansing will vary depending on where you are living and what the weather patterns are.
You may be wondering what is happening or changing that makes now the time to cleanse. During the heat of summer, our time is usually filled with travel, eating out, celebrations and a lot of social engagements. Not to mention that it is just darn hot outside. The combined heat and activity increase the chances of building up toxins, also known as ama. By the time summer is over we have accumulated this excess heat which shows as a pitta imbalance. When this happens, it can lead to burnout. This can occur physically and/or mentally. When we experience burnout it will have a negative impact on our nervous system, deplete out adrenals and can show up as irritability, anger and frustration. Physically we may experience rashes, headaches, especially when the excess pitta is located in the liver.
By the end of summer, we are holding toxins in our body and mind then along comes the fall winds of vata and the dryness that it carries. Our imbalances increase and are blown around by the wind. Think of all the devastating wildfires that we witnessed this summer. Just like the firefighters, the last thing we need in a fiery state is wind to move it around the body.
A personalized detox lasting at least 2-3 weeks is optimal, however a shorter version can be beneficial as well. There are three specific phases to a cleanse that include preparation, cleansing, and finishing while rebuilding the tissue.
The goal is to reset and purify the digestive system. When this happens, we can address the root cause of our imbalances that can lead to disease. We are using the process to draw toxins out of the tissues and move them into the digestive tract so that they can be eliminated. Anytime we remove excess imbalances of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha and feel balanced and fantastic!
If you are interested in a personalized cleansing program, please contact me. I would be happy to schedule an appointment and develop a plan just right for you.
+Check out the seasonal recipe for the month, A Dal to Transition into Fall.