5 Steps to Autumn Cleansing - Part 2

Kitchari

Kitchari

Autumn is the perfect time for us to do a Ayurvedic cleanse. This will give our body system a re-boot after summer when our tissues have accumulated plenty of heat - that’s fiery pitta dosha. Pitta is concentrated in the brain, liver, spleen, small intestine, endocrine glands, skin, eyes, blood and sweat tissues. Excess pitta in these areas can cause problems.

Instead of taking extreme measures in cleansing, this method gently balances the whole person so that the body can cleanse without destabilizing its system in any way.

It is the middle-path cleansing method that includes, preparation, mono-diet, yoga, self-introspection and aftercare.

Step 1: Preparation

The pre-cleanse preparation is typically between 5-7 days. Here are some important aspects to it.

  • Slow down… inform close ones of your plans so they understand your needs. Example the need to break the habit of rushing, multitasking, saying ‘No’ to more information and distractions.
  • Begin to phase out junk food, refined sugar, processed food and other harmful foods in your current diet at least 7 days before the cleanse. As it is not recommended to go from fast food and chips every day to a mono-diet of kitchari overnight. The drastic change may have harmful consequences.
  • Self massage 5-7 days prior to the cleanse to loosen deep rooted toxins (recommended).

Step 2: Cleansing on a mono-diet

Kitchari is a traditional dish and is a staple for an Ayurvedic cleanse. It consists of basmati rice, split mung beans, spices and a variety of vegetables. When mung is cooked with rice it becomes purifying and nourishing diet, and it can made for any dosha type, depending on the spices and veggies that you decide to add. It is generally performed for 3-10 days depending on your needs. During the cleanse, you are free to eat as much kitchari as you need.

During this period, your body becomes extra sensitive, therefore remove any caffeine, tobacco, alcohol or other substance, continuing them will cause more damage than health. Drink herbal tea throughout this time.

Step 3: Yoga

Gentle yoga that includes heating and twisting sequence to move toxins from your tissues through your lymphatic and digestive system, including restorative postures to relax the nervous system and the mind, and help the body to settle during the cleanse.

Step 4: Mental cleanse through Self-Study

Fundamental questions that need to be asked:

  • “What did you do to get to where you are?”
  • “Are there old patterns and belief system that you need to let go that does not serve your highest purpose?" and "How much of energy are you using to finance them?”
  • “Do you have a good repo with your Spirit that when you need them they are your guiding force?”

Step 5: After-care

  • Gently ease into a “normal” healthy diet for the first week.
  • Avoid raw food during this time, refined sugar, and all processed food.
  • Slowly ease back onto a normal healthy diet and routine.
  • Post-cleansing is important to your immune system. If proper care is not given, you will be left depleted and susceptible to illness.

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Discover your dosha type Part 3 .....Next

Ayurvedic Soul Food Kitchari Recipe Part 4 .....Coming Soon

Gwendolyn WenliComment