Gentle Fall Cleanse
Every fall as the seasons change I am prompted by my body to cleanse. In years past I have tried many and have had mixed results ranging from severe headaches to intense hunger and cravings. One consisted of drinking a concoction of juice for 9 or more days while fasting, and while it did provide clarity and a lighter feeling. I noticed that several days after completing it I would crave foods that I had not craved prior to doing it. This was concerning and I interpreted this to be my body’s attempt to establish equilibrium after the extreme pendulum swing this routine induced. I knew there had to be a better way to experience the benefits of cleansing and spare my body the roller coaster ride.
Several years ago I began to study Ayurveda, which is a comprehensive system of health 5000 years old. I became intrigued by the Ayurvedic system as a whole as it acknowledges that all of life as interwoven. As I learned more about the cleansing practices and the concept of the five senses being portals between the internal and external realms I was curious and began a practice called dinacharya, believed to cleanse these five senses.
First thing in the morning I splash cool water on my face cleaning the eyes.
Then I use a tongue scraper cleaning the sense of taste afterwards I brush my teeth.
Next I use a neti pot to cleanse the nose followed by nasya which is a practice of oiling the nostrils.
Followed by dry brushing and abhyanga or oiling of the skin. The skin is an organ and needs cleansed daily for health.
And lastly I meditate and tune into to the sounds of the external world as well as the internal world.
I love how it makes me feel and I have continued this practice since.
This may seem extensive or time consuming but the benefits are gentle and entirely worth the effort.
This is one of the things I appreciate about Ayurveda It can be adapted to fit any lifestyle. I continue to explore and adopt more of the practices to enrich my health and wellness.
Which leads me to the gentle fall cleanse.
In addition to the morning routine of cleansing the five senses:
I begin the day with a cup of warm lemon water.
I eat a mono-diet consisting of a porridge called kichari for 3-7 days depending on my body’s needs and my schedule.
This nourishing dish consists of basmati rice and split mung beans, spices and one seasonal vegetable. This year I used kale and rainbow chard due to a plentiful supply in my garden.
This mixture is cooked down untill it becomes the consistency of watery oatmeal. It is delicious and easy to digest. I eat it three times daily with a cup of digestive tea. Once I complete this I feel grounded and clear. I’ve noticed it also lessens the seasonal sniffles and congestion. I would sometimes experience at the turn of the season. It’s a gentle cleanse that feels good, tastes good and doesn’t cause the extreme reaction of the pendulum swing that other cleanses have.
I love the clarity and lightness I feel in my body after completing this cleanse.
I highly recommend Kate O’Donells book THE EVERYDAY AYURVEDA COOKBOOK. She has an extensive section on this cleansing routine, and she gives lots of great tips on the 5 sense cleaning as well as many other great recipes. I appreciate her clear and easy to follow recipes and her broad experience with Ayurveda; it has become a permanent addition to my kitchen. There are also many online resources that will walk you through this process.
If you have ever been curious about Ayurveda or would like to try this body reset, this is a great way to nurture your body as the seasons change.