T
here is something
to be said for Spring
cleaning. It signals that the
long dark days of Winter are
over. It literally brings a breath
of fresh air into our homes.
But what about our bodies?
What about a change of pace
from all of the heavier and
harder to digest foods we tend
to favor in the Winter? In the
Ayurvedic tradition, there is a
special cleanse recommended
for Spring. It’s simple and only
takes four days. There are
practices in this cleanse which
actually benefit us year round
because they help the lymph
system, which is the detox
engine in our bodies. There are
five easy steps to this cleanse.
Think comfort! Think spa!
STEP 1. OLEATION
WITH GHEE
(an amazing detox vehicle)
Every morning after scraping
the tongue with a tongue
scraper and cleaning the teeth,
drink melted ghee in increasing
amounts. Ghee (clarified
butter) is available in health
food stores or online. It’s also
easy to make.
Day 1: 2 tsp. Ghee
Day 2: 4 tsp. Ghee
Day 3: 6 tsp. Ghee
Day 4: 9 tsp. Ghee
1. Drink the melted Ghee plain,
or mix it in a small amount
of warm, unsweetened
almond or rice milk, with
a pinch of ginger and
cardamom for taste.
2. Wait thirty minutes. Then,
drink a glass of warm water
with ¼ to ½ a fresh lemon
squeezed into it. If nausea
occurs after drinking the
Ghee, sip ginger tea. This
is not uncommon on days
three and four.
STEP 2. KITCHARI—INDIA’S
“CHICKEN SOUP
FOR THE SOUL”
Kitchari is a traditional Indian
“comfort food” (rather like
risotto) that allows the
digestive system to rest while
nourishing the body and
keeping blood sugar levels
stable. Eat it for three meals
per day for the four days.
Should your blood sugar
level become unstable, add a
seasonal vegetable to the mix.
If needed, add 1-2 ounces of
lean protein to the lunchtime
meal. Eat enough at each meal
so that you do not need to
snack in between. It is very
important that no oils are
added to the meals. Ghee is
the only oil that should be
consumed (in the morning).
STEP 3. DRY SKIN BRUSHING
This technique stimulates
lymphatic drainage, which is
one of the most important
elements of detoxifying your
body effectively. Do this just
before you take a hot bath in
the evenings. Using a dry, soft
washcloth, raw silk gloves, or
a soft brush, begin rubbing
your body in circular motions
starting with your scalp, then
around the forehead, eyes,
nose, mouth, and cheeks.
You can be vigorous with the
scalp, but be gentle with your
face. Next, use quick, firm, but
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