The word ‘Detoxification’ has become a commonly used word in the present day. Put in simple words, just like the external organs of our body needs a regular cleanse, so do the internal ones. To maintain hygiene we clean, we bathe, we brush, similarly, detoxification is a cleanse for the internal organs to flush out toxins and waste. It is said to improve metabolism and provide support to the liver for a better cleanse. Detoxification is a way to recharge and revitalize the functions of the organs. It is a way to stimulate the mind and body for a healthy and active lifestyle.
Another way to bring a balance in the body is through fasting. Fasting is not detox, it is merely a step in the process. Our physical and mental health is a reflection of what we consume every day. The disturbances in either of these are a cause for various ailments. Fasting enables several metabolic adjustments in the body. While doing so, one is asked to bring down the food consumption to make sure the previously consumed food is properly digested. Thus it supports the body and strengthens digestion. This process works when the consumption of food is light, healthy, and clean.
The present-day consumption of industrially processed food acts like an alien in our bodies. It releases pollutants and toxins that gather within and then starts the battle of the body to do anything in its capacity to get rid of it. To fight this it has to produce mucous in the intestine, sometimes it produces more than what is required. Mucous ensures the excretion of these from the body. However, some pollutants are more harmful than others as the residues they leave, gather in the connective tissues and cells in the body. The fatty tissues can store environmental toxins such as dioxins, PCBs, and plasticizers for many many years.
Has it ever occurred to you that despite taking so many medicines and treatments, yet there are a few ailments that remain stuck to you? That is because they have not been treated from the roots. An impaired digestive system can be a root cause of many diseases. The accumulation of harmful toxins in the body can block natural pathways due to its sticky properties. The toxins are known as Ama. The increased levels of Ama in the body need to be dealt with using the process of detoxification.
Ama which is the toxic product that is formed due to undigested food can cause an unimaginable amount of havoc in the body. It disturbs the digestion process and blocks the natural channels of waste elimination in the body. All of this results in an imbalance in the doshas. Stress contributes to the accumulation of the Ama too. There are many symptoms that scream about the presence and increased levels of Ama in the body.
- Feeling lazy and bulky
- Excessive hunger or loss of appetite
- Unexplained pain in the joints and body after consumption of fatty food
- Lifeless skin with acne, blemishes, etc
- Bloating in the stomach, feeling gassy and flatulence
- Constant metallic taste in the mouth, white coating on the tongue, and bad-smelling breath and sweat
- Severe constipation, bad-smelling, sticky stools that are heavy and sink
- Constantly drained energy levels
- Confused state of mind
- Dull and upset mood swings
- Heaviness in the body
- Congested nose and heavy breathing
- Waking up tired even a good night’s sleep
"If you seek to get rid of a problem, seek the root of it"
That is what Ayurveda is all about. In profound words once said by someone, “Detoxification works by addressing every cell in your body.” It eliminates waste and toxins from every nook and corner of the body. The focal point in Ayurveda and Ayurvedic detox is the digestive system. Ayurvedic detoxification is a three-step process of preparation, cleansing, and post-cleanse. This is followed by a systematic diet regime and detox routine that flushes out the blood impurities from the liver. The liver plays the most important role in this process of this elimination. There are many other ways too through which the body eliminates waste. But when the primary source is compromised, they cannot filter the impurities well, affecting the smooth function of the body.
Ayurveda states that our body is made up of five elements- Vayu (air), Prithvi (earth), Teja (fire), Aakash (space), and Jala (water). A combination of these elements is what forms the three doshas in our body. It is important to maintain harmony among the three doshas: Vatta, Pitta, and Kapha, that hold the fort for our well-being. However, simply balancing the doshas alone doesn’t do the trick. An ayurvedic detox, not only balances the doshas but also the five elements that make them.
Ama as mentioned before is a result of compromised digestive strength. Everything that we eat is processed in our body at different levels with the help of the digestive Agni and the three doshas. In this relay, the first runner is Kapha whose task is to set the seal that the chewed food is mixed and liquefied into pulp in the stomach. Once Kapha has its run, the baton passes to Pitta. Here the Pitta breaks these food contents into the tiniest components in the small intestine with the help of enzymes making it easy to absorb by the body. The final run is made by Vatta in the large intestine where its job is to make it certain that any leftover minerals, water, and even fat, are absorbed by the body.
Through this entire process Agni(the digestive fire), which is located at different spots in the digestive tract, plays a key role to make this a smooth process. This process also pulls down the microorganisms, bacteria, and harmful toxins from the digestive system. Having the Agni in the right amount in the right place is the only key to a naturally functioning, and healthy digestive system.
The food assigned during the detox is done as per the intensity of the doshas. Accordingly, one is asked to avoid food types. However, the commonly known foods which have high levels of toxins such as alcohol, caffeine, red meat, artificial sweeteners, and processed foods, are strictly ruled out from the diet. It is beneficial to consume hot water at all times during the detox.
Unhealthy eating habits and choices have a highly negative impact on the body. The toxins in the food have the ability to deprive the body of the strength it otherwise is capable of. The same is also true about negative thoughts and emotions. They have an equally tampering effect on the body. As pointed out by many who learn about Ayurveda, oppressed emotions and anger can increase the Pitta dosha in the body. Not just this, it has an alarming effect on the bile ducts, gall bladder, and small intestine too. The rise of Pitta dosha in the body causes inflammation in the stomach lining and intestinal mucosa. The constant uneasiness and worry affect the colon resulting in a distended stomach and painful bloating which has effects on the large intestine.
During the detox, it is common to experience a release of these untapped and suppressed emotions. Suppressed emotions also disturb the balance of the Vatta causing abnormal immune responses. Repressing Kapha emotions triggers various allergies such as ones to dairy products. High levels of pitta in the body result in foul-smelling feet as increases the heat in it. Recognizing the feelings and addressing them is the best way to stop them from causing damage to the body. It also helps the mind and the body to coordinate and work to their full potential. The balance of these doshas in the body also balances the emotional well-being of the one undergoing it freeing the long trapped emotions.
There are lots of methods that detoxify the toxins and waste from our bodies. However, Ayurvedic detoxification roots back to the more traditional and sustainable ways of cleansing. It does more than just detoxifying the body. A combination of Ayurvedic detoxification and yoga uplifts and refreshes the mind eliminates toxins and waste from the body and lifts the soul. Detox is not a one-time affair. It is a habit that when inculcated in the routine, gives lasting benefits to the body.
With all of this said and done, the Ayurvedic detox is a process that requires expertise and deep knowledge. It may well seem okay to try it at home, but doing so under a certified and trained doctor (BAMS and MAMS) in India, would not only prove beneficial but safe too. Treating a problem from its roots requires understanding that these health professionals are equipped with. It is also important to get this done under a practitioner who is government certified and has learnt from a recognised university.
In words of Dr. Edward Group III,
“By cleansing your body on a regular basis and eliminating as many toxins as possible from your environment, your body can begin to heal itself, prevent disease and become stronger and more resilient than you ever dreamed possible.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Detox
How can I clean my stomach in Ayurveda?
The best way to clean the stomach is to have a simple, light, and healthy diet. This can comprise ghee as it energizes the Agni and eases the process of digestion. The alkalies in it regulate the gastric fire. Apart from this, a basic rule of mindful eating and proper chewing of the food, makes the process of digestion easier.
There are simple remedies found in the kitchen to the 5 most commonly faced stomach issues.
- Drinking a concoction of ghee, salt, and warm water eases constipation.
- Warm water and ginger/fennel seeds can reduce bloating
- Fennel seeds and holy basil work well for acid reflux
- Cabalash or bottle gourd plus proper hydration is beneficial for diarrhea
- Cooked vegetables and soups are the best for indigestion
However, these are temporary solutions. These problems must be treated from the very root.
How can I detox my lungs in Ayurveda?
The many simple and effective ways that can boost your lung immunity and detox it go back to the traditional methods. For instance, gargling with warm water and turmeric, ginger lemon tea, cinnamon tea, and steam. Pranayama plus sesame drop installation in the nasal activity too helps to clear the respiratory tract. Apart from these basic tricks, there are a few herbs that can detox the lungs and help to get rid of respiratory disorders as well as allergies too. Astragalus for boosting the immunity, Pippali to curb nasal congestion, inflammation and to clear the nasal passage. Licorice releases phlegm and also cleans the nasal passage whereas Kalmegh is used as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, as well as to stimulate immunity. Lastly, Vasaka is beneficial to curb bronchitis, tuberculosis, and also treats common cold and cough.
Does Ghee detox the body?
Ghee detoxification is also known as Snehana helps to unwind the impurities in the body, thus helping with the detox.
What herbs purify the blood?
Herbs like Hibiscus and dandelion are known for their blood purifying qualities.
What is the best time to eat ghee?
Ayurveda states that drinking ghee on an empty stomach in the morning is the most beneficial. Ghee rejuvenates and reinstates every cell in the body to ensure quick repairs. It also helps the skin glow, improves lubrication in the joints, brain cell activity, blood circulation, and lowers cholesterol.
Which foods purify the blood?
Blood is an element that practically travels through every inch and corner of our body. It is responsible for the smooth functioning of the entire body system. Thus, it is important to purify it. Most of the foods are found in your vegetable basket-like lemon, ginger, coriander, beetroot, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. Apart from these a few fruits like apple, grapefruit, blueberries, and cranberries are good to purify blood too. Sufficient intake of water proves to be useful too. Contained intake of turmeric, cayenne pepper, and jaggery too have been proven beneficial for blood purification.
How do I cleanse my liver?
A simple rule to a healthy body is plenty of water, enough sleep, and exercise. There are some foods that naturally support the effective function of the liver. Including foods with natural elements that are anti-inflammatory, are best for a healthy liver. Some of them include all the foods that grow above the ground, vegetables, grains, beans, and mushrooms.
How do you keep your liver healthy?
Curbing or limiting the intake of toxins such as alcohol, caffeine, processed foods, etc. keeps the liver healthy and clean. Also including items like garlic, tea, walnuts, beetroot, citrus fruits, turmeric, and tea in the day to day diet helps to clean the liver.
**The benefits of Ayurveda vary from person to person and the results may vary immensely based on the quality of the herbs, oil concoctions and medicines. BalanceBoat.com is not responsible or liable for the effectiveness and outcome of the Ayurvedic treatments. The information above is shareable purely for educational purpose it is not to be considered as a replacement for medical advice. Please always consult a certified specialist/Doctor before you embark upon a treatment.
