Since ancient times, spring has been regarded as the king of seasons.
Symbolizing new beginnings, it's the end of hibernation for many creatures; life re-awakens and rises from the earth in the form of vibrant green foliage and a vast array of colourful flowers in full bloom to greet the return of the sun.
Ayurvedic physicians have always considered spring as the prime season for cleansing and rejuvenation. As coconut oil begins to liquefy, so do various substances in our body as the channels of circulation gradually expand to maintain a homeostatic balance with the environments rising temperatures.
This could be compared to Himalayan glaciers melting in spring that cause the river Ganges to swell in northern parts of India carrying with it accumulated debris from the previous months.
These biological changes also initiate a cleansing type effect as morbid substances that have accumulated in the deeper tissues start to loosen and make their way back towards the channels of elimination.
Ayurveda uses this natural seasonal flow in conjunction with specific cleansing methods to prevent the accumulation of qualities that lead to imbalance. These substances are responsible for disturbing digestive and metabolic processes and often lead to congestion, cough, colds, and hay fever as they become lodged in the upper respiratory tract.
It is essential to understand when to cleanse the body and when to build and nourish in relation to the season. According to Ayurvedic principles if cleansing is not performed at the appropriate time of year it can lead to the depletion of the body and potential complications leading to illness.
Proper cleansing helps to effectively eliminate impurities and restore healthy biological functions, strengthening immunity, bringing about mental clarity, and a sense of lightness and wellbeing.
One of the primary objectives of Ayurveda is to establish a state of equilibrium between the individual and the external environment. Good health and vitality is not a final goal but a constant relationship and balance between mind, body, and our surroundings.
NUTRITIONAL AND LIFESTYLE SUGGESTIONS FOR SPRING
~ HERBS AND SPICES: Cumin, cayenne pepper, coriander, ginger, turmeric, fenugreek, clove, saindhava, black mustard seed, ajwain, clove, cinnamon, saffron, garlic, thyme, rosemary, curry leaves, black pepper, basils, bay leaf and allspice.
~ PROTEINS, FATS AND CARBOHYDRATES: Temporate dwelling fish, goat, sheep, chicken, rabbit, turkey, venison, eggs, aduki beans, black beans, black eyed peas, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, lima beans, black turtle beans, mung beans, navy beans, amaranth, quinoa, cereals, corn, buckwheat, oat bran, millet, couscous, ghee, flax, MCT oil, EPA/DHA fatty acids, cottage cheese and goats cheese.
~ SALAD GREENS: Mustard greens, spinach, rocket, cabbage, kale, watercress, sorrel, beetroot greens, turnip greens, parsley, basil (sweet/thai/lemon), coriander, parsley, dandelion, endive and wasabi greens.
~ VEGETABLES: Asian grees, borlotti beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, beans, cabbage, capsisum, celery, peas, silverbeet, tomato, zucchini flower, horseraddish, artichoke, kale, okra, bittergourd, chilli, eggplant and leek.
~ FRUITS: Stewed apple/pear, lemons, pomegranate and berries.
~ TEAS AND BEVERAGES: Kapha balancing tea, ginger, licorice and tulsi.
DAILY RITUALS FOR HEALTH
Tongue scraping, cardiovascular activity, dynamic yoga, kavalgraha, jala neti, pratimarshya nasya, abhyanga, karana purana and gandusha.
CLEANSING AND REJUVENATION PROCEDURES
Vamana, virechana, rakta moksha and nasya.
Massage, herbalized steam bath (Svedana) and shiroabhyanga (Ayurvedic head massage).
Sandalwood, rose, frankincense, myrrh, clove, cinnamon, lime, orange, juniper, basil, camphor, eucalyptus and thyme.
COLOURS AND GEMSTONES
Purple, yellow, gold. blue sapphire, opal, amethyst, citrine and diamond.
ITEMS TO AVOID
Heavy, sour, sweet, unctuous, cold, sticky foods and sleeping during the day.
HOW DO WE CLEANSE THE BODY IN AYURVEDA?⠀
Longevity and vitality is dependent upon healthy strong tissues and keeping them free from the accumulation of gunk and excess waste. Cleansing has been addressed in Ayurveda through a system known as panchakarma or the five methods of elimination. These procedures include the use of emetics, purgation, substances administered through the nasal cavity, enema therapies and bloodletting.⠀⠀
Generally panchakarma involves pre and post treatment procedures. Pre treatment procedures consist of prepping the digestive system using specific herbs and cleansing recipes to stimulate enzymatic and digestive secretions. ⠀
This is intended to strengthen digestion and dissolve gunk that has accumulated in the digestive organs and abdominal cavity. If you experience gas, wind, bloating, reflux, sluggish digestion, loose bowels or constipation chances are you have digestive gunk.⠀
The main treatment is selected based on the most practical opening of elimination (nasal cavity, mouth, anal canal, blood vessels) depending on present health and constitution of the patient.⠀
Once impurities have been properly eliminated from the body, post-treatment procedures are used in the form of nutrition, daily activities, rejuvenative herbs and minerals to rebuild and strengthen.⠀
The body and mind is then able to return to its natural vibrant healthy state.⠀⠀
This procedure also optimises the absorption and efficacy of all of the powerful adaptagenic, restorative and nootropic herbs, fungi's and compounds available today.⠀
Check out our cleansing packages or contact us today to discuss the most effective ways to reclaim your vitality!⠀