Well, what the heck is Ayurveda? It is an ancient Indian practice of healing the whole body with plants and practices based on an individuals make-up or constitution, known as “doshas”. Dosha's are mind/body types, being 3: Wata, Pitta, and Kapha, and those doshas are made of the 5 elements. So a super simple break down is that Ayurveda is healing the whole body and mind using plants, nature, and breathing. That the mind-body connection is the most powerful way to heal and refresh the body.
The Habit
Raj and I attended a workshop run by the lovely Carly who runs The Habit. She explained what Ayurveda was, and why we should detox. I cried about 2 minutes into her presentation and continued to cry most of the way thru. I was READY for a detox. Watch for a post in the coming weeks to explain all the reasons why.
This twice-annual detox event takes place in the Spring and Fall, to help clear out the toxins you hold, physically and mentally. It consisted of 21 days: one-week planning and easing in, one week going deep with 3-5 days of protocol within that going deep week, (how fun is it to say “going deep?”, Just for me? Okay then). And lastly a week of easing out.
There is a ton of flexibility within the cleanse itself, sort of choose-your-own-adventure situation. Living soup? Kitchari? Juice fast? Whatever fits into your life and works. In addition to the food aspect, there are daily habits that are set up for self-care, mindfulness, journaling, and deep breathing and includes ways to identify triggers, emotional responses, and toxic relationships within your everyday life.
Why do it twice?
Because Raj and I are headed to Austin for Paleo FX (will we see you there?), we did an adapted version with the intent to repeat the process when we return for the full 21 days. Our detox process consisted of 5 days planning, and then I went to a beer fest event and got totally intoxicated, binged on sugar and salt thru my vicious hangover… eased into the cleanse for 1.5 days and then went into the deep detox for 4 days and eased out for 1.5 days. Yeah, I drank beer, cider and ate street food. I gave my body a last ditch “screw you” before starting the detox.
I feel like I need to give this detox thing another go. Of the 6 days we spent, I did not practice any of the lifestyle or environmental changes. My self-care generally is laughable, but those 6 days it was deplorable. I spent 10-12 hours at my day job every day. Struggled hard with my boundaries as family showed up. And was such a stress case there was no time for journaling or rest, just a never-ending task list.
This way I also get a chance to read thru a couple more books an Ayurveda like
The Paleovedic Diet by Akil Palanisamy.The Paleovedic Diet by Akil Palanisamy.
I failed at detoxing.
Failed may be a little harsh. I was practicing. You know, testing the water to see how it felt. I was experimenting with the food, and doing a dry run. Yeah, that's it. It was a dry run. I managed to cope with the stress of my CRAZY work week while doing at least the food part of the detox, I didn't die without coffee or sugar for the week. I learned I could do this, and what it will take to complete all aspects of the full 21 days. And a happy aside: my colon feels really clean after the 6 days I did. My poop game is strong. And everyone appreciates a clean colon, right?
Excited to undertake the full 21 days, what practices do you do for self-care? Have you done an Ayurvedic cleanse? Or another cleanse? What were your experiences?
Leave a Reply