Ayurvedic Seasonal Detoxing

As we move into Autumn, the transition from one season to the next is visible around us.

Days are becoming shorter, trees are starting to shed their leaves in preparation for winter, and the coolness of Autumn is in the air.

In Ayurveda, as always, we take our cues from nature. 

What Is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is the Science of Life, a 5000-year-old system of health and wellness from India that involves holistic healing that is both preventative and treatment-oriented. It is a mind-body-spirit science based on lifestyle, diet, herbs, and therapies like yoga, meditation, abhyanga, marma and panchakarma. Ayurvedic protocols are individualized to every single person. 

Ritucharya (the seasonal regimen) is an important concept in Ayurveda, where we alter our lifestyle and diet based on the seasons. Each season brings its own quality that impacts us. It is, after all, natural for us to respond to seasons: for instance, in winter we wear warm clothes, and in the summer we eat cooling foods! 

Doshas?

Doshas are functional energy principals that are formed from the combination of the five elements and are present everywhere, in both nature and in living beings. 

Different seasons are governed by different doshas: for instance, Pitta is dominant in summer. 

Ayurveda considers a seasonal cleansing routine important for maintaining physical and emotional balance and wellbeing. As we transition from one season to the next, it’s time to clear out ama (toxins) which accumulates in the body tissues and organs. Although autumn is considered to be more prominently the Vata season, we all benefit from observing the changes in season and aligning ourselves with the rhythm of nature and the environment around us.

A cleanse will restore a sense of calm to the nervous system with over 3 days of mindful eating, gentle movement and sleep supporting rituals to rejuvenate and find balance within, inviting a return to self for a joyful, healthful vata season.

3-Day Ayurvedic Autumn Cleanse

The main element of a cleanse is to eat Kitchari. Kitchari is a sattvic food that is balanced to all tissues and all dosha. It is best eaten for 2-21 consecutive days as a cleanse, but can also be the perfect addition to a daily routine due to its healing properties and its easily digestible nature. 

Yields 1 days worth, breakfast lunch and dinner

Ingredients:

2 tbsp ghee – this is for lubrication of the intestine

1 tbsp cumin seeds – to increase digestion

1 onion, finely chopped

1 tsp garlic, chopped finely

2.5 cups vegetables – I used unpeeled sweet potato, broccoli, zucchici and snow peas as these are good grounding and warming vegetables, and peas are high in protein.

1 cup soaked basmati rice

½ cup soaked split mung beans

1.5L filtered water

Pinch turmeric

Method:

1. Warm ghee in a heavy based pot.
2. Add cumin seeds and roast in Ghee. This helps to expel their healing properties.
3. When seeds pop, add onion. Sautee until browned around the edges.
4. Add garlic. Sautee a further minute.
5. Add veggies all together. Sautee 1 min to help release flavour.
6. Add rice and Mung beans. Stir together.
7. Add water gradually.

Cook on a medium heat for around 25 -30 mins. Adding more water as necessary. The rice needs to be at a mashable consistency for better absorption by the body.

Leave this pot on the stove for the duration of the day. If there is any leftover at the end of the day, throw away and begin again the next morning. Do not refrigerate as refrigeration lowers the energy vibration of the food.

Enjoy. You can continue this for as many days as you like. 

Be your own healer. Do this simple home Ayurvedic cleanse and take responsibility for your own healing.  Notice as you feel lighter, brighter and fall back in love with your life.