So, you’re ready to do an Ayurvedic cleanse? Perhaps you’re looking to detox between seasons, release emotional blockages, or embark on a fresh restart. Whatever the reason, an Ayurvedic cleanse can be very nourishing for the body. However, you may not have time for a traditional 4-6 week panchakarma therapy retreat—no problem. Here we will share a starter guide on how to do a 7-day Ayurvedic cleanse at home for total rejuvenation.
A traditional Ayurvedic cleanse has three phases: preparation, active cleanse, and rejuvenation. The timing of each may be adjusted depending on the length of the cleanse. For this 7-day Ayurvedic cleanse at home you will start with two days of preparation, three days of active cleansing, and two days of rejuvenation.
The Preparation
For your 7 day Ayurvedic cleanse at home, this first phase will take place for two days. The preparation phase is important because it sets the stage for the deep work to come during the active cleanse. Therefore, it is crucial to eat a simple, whole food, nourishing diet. Ayurveda suggests eliminating alcohol, caffeine, meat, dairy, processed foods, canned foods, fried foods, white bread, sugar, and recreational drug use.
The preparation phase is also a critical time to reduce stress factors in your life, meditate, practice yoga, and rest. Discover this grounding meditation to find more stability. There will be a more rigorous schedule and routine during the active cleanse. However, the preparation is a time to slow down. Journal as much as you’d like about your experience or thoughts moving through your mind.
Active Cleanse
After preparing your body and mind with a clean diet and stress reduction, it is time to move into the active cleanse. The active cleanse is a time for deep release. During these three days at home, you will follow a light diet of porridge and kitchari. According to Ayurveda, kitchari is one of the easiest meals to digest, giving your body a break from complex foods. This simple diet allows your body to devote energy to detoxification processes, so you can more effectively and efficiently eliminate toxins from the body.
For a sample daily routine and diet for your 7 day Ayurvedic cleanse, use these spring cleanse guidelines.
Rejuvenation
The final phase of your 7 day Ayurvedic cleanse includes two full days of rejuvenation. Ayurveda suggests extending this phase to be weeks, if not months, to allow your body to slowly integrate back into daily life. The most vital part of this stage is to focus on rest and rejuvenation. It is critical after your cleanse that you give your body and mind time to digest and process the experience. Rest will help rebuild your ojas, which is vital.
Herbal Supplements
It’s essential during your 7 day Ayurvedic cleanse to take complimentary herbal supplements. Consider taking Ghruta, Chyawanprash, and Triphala to amplify your cleanse. Ghruta aids detoxification and tissue nourishment, while Triphala is beneficial promotes digestion and elimination, and Chyawanprash is renowned for restoring the body’s vitality. Learn more about the advantages of chyawanprash.
Clare Michalik, Ayurvedic Practitioner, @clareminded
