In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, often neglecting our own well-being. As a Pitta dosha, I was no exception to this trend. My days were filled with deadlines, meetings, and endless to-do lists, leaving little room for self-care or reflection. However, all that changed when I embarked on an 12 day Ayurvedic cleanse, a journey that not only revitalized my physical health but also reconnected me with my inner self.
The Ayurvedic Approach
Ayurveda, often referred to as the "science of Yoga," is a traditional Indian system of medicine that emphasizes holistic well-being through the balance of mind, body, and spirit. According to Ayurveda, each person has a unique constitution, or "dosha," which influences their physical and emotional tendencies. Pitta dosha is characterized by qualities such as intensity, ambition, and a tendency towards fiery emotions when imbalanced.
The Ayurvedic cleanse I undertook was specifically tailored to cleanse the liver, bringing the body and mind back into harmony.
It involved 4 days of a pre-cleanse where I introduced dietary changes, such as, no caffeine, no alcohol, meat, dairy or gluten. I also incorporated daily routines, and mindfulness practices to detoxify and rejuvenate my mind and body.
Days 5-8 were the main cleanse-beginning each day with 1-4 tsps of ghee. Ghee gets deep into our tissues, where it softens, breaks down, and transports toxins out of our body.
During the 4 days of the ghee cleanse no other fat is taken in and sustenance is maintain through kitchari and a TON of hydration.
Day 9-12 of the post-cleanse was a slow and gentle way to reintroduce foods back into the body.
Slowing Down and Listening to My Body
One of the first lessons I learned during my Ayurvedic cleanse was the importance of slowing down and listening to my body. Pittas are known for their competitive and driven nature, often pushing themselves to the limit. I was a person that rarely said "no," and had a severe case of "FOMO," often having me agreeing to situations and events that I felt uncomfortable in.
This cleanse encouraged me to establish a daily routine that allowed me to prioritize rest and relaxation. The daily mindfulness meditation helped me become more attuned to the subtle signals my body was sending. I started to recognize when I needed a break or when I was pushing myself too hard, and I learned to honor those signals by taking a step back and reevaluating my priorities. I found more ease in saying "no," no longer agreeing to things I know do not align with me, therefore, not forcing myself into a box only because I don't want to miss out, or fear of people talking poorly about me for not attending.
Releasing Stuck Emotions
Another remarkable aspect of my Ayurvedic cleanse was its profound impact on my emotional well-being. Like many Pittas, I tend to bottle up my emotions, often leading to explosive outbursts when the pressure becomes too much to bear.
Practices like journaling, yoga, and Ayurvedic massage helped me access and release the emotions that had been buried deep within. It was a cathartic process that allowed me to let go of resentment, anger, and stress. Now this was in no way a "pretty" experience! On day one of the ghee cleanse, I spent most of it in tears. Day 2 and Day 12 I experienced continual drainage from my eyes and nose, however, as a result, I have found myself feeling lighter, more at peace, and with the ability to bring awareness to what is happening within me from a place of non-judgement.
Perhaps one of the most transformative aspects of my Ayurvedic cleanse was its impact on my sleep patterns. Prior to the cleanse, I often struggled with insomnia and restless nights, which left me feeling anxious and cloudy throughout the day.
By following the Ayurvedic principles of a healthy sleep routine, I can happily say that I have slept soundly more nights than not. Gradually, as my sleep improved I found myself waking up early and returning to my most favorite time to practice Yoga, meditate and journal, in the early mornings before the sun rises and the day begins. It is during this time that I truly feel at peace and aligned, and for me, this harmony and balance is truly the only way I want to begin my day.
My Ayurvedic cleanse journey was a transformative experience that taught me, a Pitta individual, to slow down, listen to my body, release stuck emotions, and prioritize self-care. Through this ancient holistic approach to well-being, I not only rekindled my physical health but also rediscovered a sense of inner balance and harmony.
Now, I wake up early each day with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to self-care. My daily yoga practice and mindful routines have become non-negotiable. The Ayurvedic cleanse was not just a detox for my body; it was a detox for my soul, and it has left me forever changed, in the best possible way.
It is recommended that you seek out the knowledge and expertise of an Ayurvedic counsellor or practitioner to help guide you on this type of cleanse.
As I continue on my educational journey in Ayurveda, I am excited to one day offer you all this healing and transformative cleanse-the perfect way to let go of the heat of summer and settle into the season of Autumn.