After the hot and fiery summer months (Pitta season), excess heat can accumulate in the body. For many, this can result in symptoms of a Pitta imbalance, such as skin conditions (like hives or rashes), hot flashes, inflammation, redness, anger, irritability, or jealousy. 

That's why Ayurveda recommends cleansing at the start of fall. A fall or Pitta cleanse can be helpful in flushing the accumulated Pitta and toxins that have been building up.

In this article, we’ll explain why you should cleanse in the fall and provide some tips for an optimal cleanse.

Ayurvedic Cleanse For Pitta

Cleansing is an ancient tradition that focuses on healing and replenishing both the body and mind. Specifically, an Ayurvedic cleanse for Pitta dosha works to bring optimal healing for those with a pitta constitution, or for everyone who has had a hot summer and is about to enter fall. It focuses on reducing heat and building ojas.

So, how do you know if you need to cleanse? Ayurveda recommends cleansing between the seasons for just about everyone (exceptions include those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, weak, debilitated or elderly) and especially for those who are presenting with Pitta symptoms. Fall is a great time to clear out any excess Pitta and re-balance after the hottest and driest part of the year.

How to Cleanse in the Fall

In accordance with Ayurvedic tradition, a cleanse should have three main phases: preparation, active cleansing, and rejuvenation. If you're new to cleansing, you might start with a 7-day Ayurvedic Cleanse, beginning with two days of preparation, then three days of active cleansing and two days of rejuvenation.

Explore our Ayurvedic Cleansing Guide for specific detailed information on how to cleanse.

Tips for an Effective Fall Cleanse

To begin a Pitta cleanse, it's important to adjust your diet, lifestyle, and routine to balance the Pitta dosha. Pitta is very hot, and thus, it’s important not to add any extra heat to an already hot dosha. 

Here are some tips to incorporate into your daily routine for an optimal cleanse.

• Wake with the sunrise and drink a glass of warm lime water with a pinch of Bamboo Salts to stimulate your organs and bowels
• Follow an Ayurvedic cleansing diet of warm, well-cooked, and well-spiced meals that align with a pitta diet. This means including seasonal pitta foods that are cooling and moist, and incorporating more astringent, bitter, and sweet tastes (while minimizing pungent, sour, and salty foods).
• Stimulate your lymphatic system by practicing abhyanga with cooling coconut oil (the optimal oil for the pitta dosha as it is cooling)
• Do some fall cleaning of your physical spaces