Overview
Ayurveda recommends internal cleansing at regular intervals for clearing the channels and to remove toxins build up in the body.
According to Master Charak, during detoxification, the physician should never create a new imbalance while in order to repair an imbalance. It is also essential that any detox program should support the health of srotas (the large and small channels that provide the path for the toxins to leave from the body.
What are the toxins that need to be eliminated from the body?
There are three different types of toxins that need to be eliminated as they impact the physiology. These are: Ama, Garvisha and Amavisha.
- Ama is the commonest type of toxin and is the waste product of incomplete digestion. It is sticky in nature and foul smelling and forms in the digestive tract. It develops due to wrong eating habits, eating too much or too little, eating processed, left over or fermented foods etc. It blocks the srotas (micro-circulatory channels) and disrupts the flow of nutrients and blocks the body’s natural waste removal system.
- Another type of toxin is Garvisha which comes from outside which includes toxins from the environment such as preservatives, toxins from the spoiled food, synthetic chemicals, drugs, air and water pollution, heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, asbestos etc.
- The third type of toxin is Amavisha which occurs when the Ama dosha gets settled in any part of the body for a long time and gets mixed with subdoshas or the dhatus (tissues). It is more toxic than Ama as it is the reactive form of Ama dosha and must be dealt differently during detoxification.
What are the indications that your body needs detoxification?
- Blockages in the body, such as constipation, congestion etc.
- Feeling weak or fatigue without any reason.
- Getting seasonal allergies frequently.
- Suffering from indigestion frequently.
- Feeling exhausted and tired from the mind or body.
- Feeling heaviness in the body.
How toxins are formed in the body?
- The toxins that are formed in the body are a mixture of Ama, Amavisha and Shleshaka Kapha (sub-type of Kapha dosha).
- When these are formed, they cause excessive moisture which can in turn cause Vyana Vata (sub-type of Vata dosha) to cause drying effect, thus causing this toxic sludge to dry onto the channel walls.
- In detoxification, the strotas (body channels) play a major role so according to Ayurveda, it is very important to maintain the health of srotas during detoxification.
What are the tips for a natural colon cleanse from inside out?
1. In Ayurveda, Coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) or Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) are described as detox herbs. These herbs have the effect of cleansing and lubricating the channels, thus support the bowel, liver, urinary system and skin.
Include these herbs in your diet.
2. Oil Pulling: Oil pulling is an ancient technique that has originated in India and is becoming quite popular in western countries.
- In the texts of Ayurveda, the procedure of oil pulling is mentioned in which an individual takes a required amount of oil in his mouth and holds it or swishes it in the mouth. When the oil turns milky white or thin, then spit it without swallowing.This process is mentioned as a Gandoosha or Kavala graha in Ayurveda.
- This procedure helps in improving oral or systemic health and it works by pulling out Ama or toxins.
(Reference: Astang Hridyam/Sutrasthanam/Shlok No. 17&18)
In this shloka, other benefits of oil pulling are described. According to this shloka, if done properly, it cures premature graying of hair, discoloured patches on face, wrinkles, blindness and bluish vision (a type of blindness).
3. Khichadi: Khichadi is an easy to make and easily digestible and a complete meal prepared from rice, lentils, cow’s ghee and vegetables.
- It is considered as the sattvic food according to Ayurveda, which is suitable for people of all age groups.
- It is useful in colon cleansing as it eases digestion and assimilation and is especially good during the transition of seasons.
4. Triphala Powder: The three fruits contained in Triphala powder are Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis) and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica).
- Triphala balances Apana Vata (sub-dosha of Vata dosha) that governs colon, lower abdomen, elimination etc.
- Due to its mild laxative properties, it is excellent in clearing toxins from the digestive system.
- It can be taken for a longer period of time due to its deeply purifying effect. It goes deeper into the system and releases the toxins at a much deeper level and removes Ama.
(Reference: Ashtang Hridyam/Chapter No. 6/Shlok No. 159).
Meaning: In this shloka, benefits of Triphala are described. According to this shloka, triphala acts as a best rejuvenator for the body, cures diseases of the eyes, heals wounds and cure skin diseases, excess moisture of the tissues, obesity, diabetes, aggravation of kapha and blood.
How to use: Take 1/2-1 teaspoon Triphala powder with plain water before going to bed.
5. Massage: Ayurveda recommends Abhyanaga or massage as a part of the daily routine.
- It helps in detoxification by helping the skin in performing its functions such as allowing the toxins to be released from the body or nourishment to be absorbed by the tissues.
- Massage according to Ayurveda should be performed in the morning before taking bath.
(Reference: Astang Hridyam/Chapter No. 2/Shlok No. 8)
Meaning:According to this shloka, massage should be done daily in the morning. It delays ageing, relieves tiredness and excess of Vata. It improves vision, nourishes the body tissues, prolongs age, induces good sleep and improves skin tone and complexion. 6. Exercise: During colon cleanse, regular exercise is very important as it helps in the functioning of digestive organs.
- Various yoga asanas such as Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Mayurasana (Peacock Pose), Pavanmuktasana (Wind Relieving Pose), Shavasan (Corpse Pose) etc. are quite beneficial in colon cleansing.
Diet and Lifestyle
- Plant purifying herbs such as Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), spider plants etc. which are known to absorb toxins and purify air as these plants are useful in protecting from environmental pollution.
- Avoid the intake of processed and packaged foods as they cause the formation of ama in the body. Always take freshly prepared food.
- Avoid taking non-vegetarian food.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything which is cold.
- Eat light and warm food during night.
- Meditation for half an hour daily is recommended to avoid stress as emotional imbalance is associated with an imbalance in Pitta dosha and results in the formation of toxins in the form of Pitta-charged Ama and Amavisha.
Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD-Ayurvedic Medicine) is an Expert Ayurveda Consultant in Chandigarh (India). He has vast experience of herbs and their applied uses. He has successfully treated numerous patients suffering from various ailments, throughout the world. He is CEO and Founder of Krishna Herbal Company and Planet Ayurveda in Chandigarh, India. He researched age old formulas from ancient Ayurvedic text books to restore health and save human beings from the worst side-effects of chemical-based treatments.
