The world is moving at a very fast pace. Every moment, every minute calls for action, innovation, and change. Our breakfast tables have turned into takeaway coffee in metros and workouts consist of running errands. The need to go fast in order to put up with the pace of this hectic schedule has left us with no time to rest, no time for a break. And when we don’t allow ourselves, our body to have the break that it deserves, it starts to break down.
When we constantly abuse our body with heavy, unhealthy meals, when we have irregular sleeping patterns, irregular meal timings, emotional burnouts, lethargic and inactive lifestyle, etc. All of it directly affects the functioning of our body and leads to the formation of Aama– the heavy, stagnant, unripe, and uncooked toxic buildup in the body, which if not removed, is the sole cause for many diseases and illnesses according to Ayurveda.
Simple signals such as unexplained fatigue, constant irritation and tiredness, insomnia, loss of appetite can be indications of some real warnings if not looked into at the right moment, right time.
In this article, we explore many different ways to detox, which can help and assist your body to release toxins in the most natural way, rev up your body’s detoxification and naturally restore balance.
Fasting
Ayurveda considers Agni as the Fire of life, it is the biological fire inside our body that is responsible for critical functions at the deepest cellular levels. It is responsible for digestion, absorption, assimilation, and segregation. In short, Agni is the fire needed for survival. Agni can be correlated with metabolism or the power of digestion for better understanding.
So when this Agni gets weaker, Amma- Toxins starts to build up and vice versa.
A very simple way to boost your Agni and reduce Aama is by observing a complete fast. Fasting is considered as the ultimate detox method in Ayurveda.
As simple as it can get, don’t put extra load on the already weak fire. Let it digest what’s already present and let it rest, to bloom with full force.
Fasting is the age-old remedy given by the Acharyas to flush out toxins from the body.
Remember to know your limits and listen to your body while observing a fast.
Switch to Healthy Eating
The purpose of detox is to flush out toxins. So when hunger creeps in, completely avoid fried, greasy and fatty foods. Opt for fresh, warm, light, and high pranic foods instead. Khichadi is one such food recommended in Ayurveda while going through total body detox such as Panchakarma. It’s a great way to get started on eating healthy.
It is simple, easy to make, loaded with high prana or vital energy, and is extremely satvik(balanced). Keep in mind portion control and you’re good to go!
Here’s how to make Kichadi
Ingredients
- 1 cup pre-soaked mung dal
- 1 cup pre-soaked Rice
- 1 tbs Ghee
- 1/2 tbs turmeric
- 1 tbs ginger
- 1 pinch of Asafoetida
- Spices of Choice ( Bay leaf, fennel, cumin, mustard seeds etc)
- 1 tbs salt
- 6 cups water.
Method
In a cooking vessel add ghee and let it heat, add in spices of choice, ginger, asafoetida, turmeric and saute till the aroma fills the room. Add in pre-soaked rice and dal and sir nicely. Pour in water and add salt and stir nice and let it cook for about 20-30 mins or till the rice and dal become soft without covering the vessel.
Saltwater flushing; Kunjal Kriya
Saltwater flushing or Kunjal Kriya is an ancient yogic technique performed every morning on an empty stomach to flush out all the toxins or remnants of undigested food from the gastrointestinal tract.
Performing Kunjal Kriya has numerous benefits, it helps to flush out toxins, improves digestion, and helps in hyperacidity, it helps in better breathing, and is also said to help in fat loss.
Method
- Mix 1-2 tbsp of Himalayan Rock Salt in one liter of luke-water. You can opt for regular salt if not available.
- Drink 5-6 glasses of this water, more if required until a gag reflex.
- Stand and bend forward to vomit out the water by rubbing 2 fingers down the throat to assist vomiting.
- Once the procedure is done, your stomach will feel lighter.
- Lay in Savasana for around 30 mins post the procedure.
Do the entire procedure under guidance if you’re starting out as a beginner.
Remember to gradually transition to normalcy, by including complex foods slowly after the detox. The body is recharged and rejuvenated, listen to what it says and wants, and act accordingly.
Herbal teas
Herbal teas are a great way to rev up metabolism, fix internal issues with added benefits of making you feel oh so fresh. So switch from cold soda or iced waters to herbal teas and warm water. Given below are the recipes for Licorice and Ginger tea.
Licorice Tea
Usually, suited best for fiery pitta dominants this tea is perfect for all seasons but especially in summers because of its cooling properties. Click here to know if you are a Pitta dominant.
To make one cup of Licorice tea, add one tbsp of licorice root powder/ cut and sifter root to two cups of hot water in a saucepan. Boil till the concoction remains up to one cup, strain, and serve.
Add honey once the tea is lukewarm if you want it sweeter.
Ginger tea
One of the best ways to boost your Agni is to have a nice warm cup of ginger tea. It not only boosts up your metabolism but also helps to cleanse and purify the entire body. Best suited for Kapha and Vata Dominants.
To make one cup of ginger tea add one tbsp of chopped ginger to 1 cup of hot water. Cover the cup and let it sit for about 2 mins, strain, and serve. Add honey once the tea gets lukewarm if you want it sweeter.
Get Some Movement
Vyayama meaning exercise in Sanskrit is given utmost importance in Ayurveda. This Ancient science has also included Vyayama in Dinacharya- the daily routine. Exercise naturally helps our body to release toxins, dissolve fat and boost up metabolism. It is one of the simplest and immediate ways to feel good as working out has said to release happy hormones such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin which regulate our mood.
Working out doesn’t necessarily mean you have to beat yourself up in the gym, it could be anything even as simple as jogging in the park or dancing to your favorite song.
One of the simplest ways to work out right is by performing Surya Namaskara. Sun Salutations help you to get your heart all pumping up and also help you achieve the right kind of flexibility and movement.
Click here to read about the most accurate way to perform Sun Salutations and the importance of each Asana.
Resting
Resting does not mean to lay in your bed the whole day or be a couch potato. Resting means taking some time off, to detach from the needs of the external world and give yourself a break. It means completing the pending sleep and fixing your circadian cycle. Sleep is one of the greatest pillars of health. It is our body’s natural way to rest and recharge. Our body is aligned with the sun and the moon cycle commonly called the circadian cycle. This is the reason we wake up with the sun and sleep when the moon is out. It is very necessary for us to maintain this balance of the universe.
During this period of rest, avoid being connected to too many gadgets or excessive use of technology. Here are some tips to mindfully use technology while you’re detoxing.
We wish you happy detoxing for a rejuvenated, re-energized and renewed self!
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