Spring Cleanse

Spring Cleanse-2_copy

Yogic traditions emphasise that cleansing starts on the inside. When we purify our bodies it has a flow on effect to our mind, energy and then to our surroundings. Spring is the ideal time as it comes with the energy of potential and growth, just like the nature around us.

There are many reasons why a spring cleanse is beneficial including:

boost for the immune system which in turn will help to minimise spring allergies
support a healthy digestive system which in turn awakens more energy and mental clarity

There is a big yogic cleanse called Shankprakshala, but here we share a few tips for an easy cleanse that can be incorporated into our daily life.

Before starting ...

tune in to you. Let the attitude that guides you into and throughout a spring cleanse be of love and care for your self.

HOW MANY DAYS?

Choose what is realistic for you. 3 days minimum. Or 7 / 10 / 21 days?

DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT

Set yourself a little bit of time each day for quiet and stillness. Disconnect from the daily busyness and stress. Turn off your phone. Hide away from others in your home. For support you can join our online meditation sessions each weekday evening.

Be quiet. Be still. This, as well as good sleep, is where there repairing magic happens. It is important, so definitely include it in your cleanse.

WHOLEFOOD DIET

From time to time it is beneficial for our body to simplify our diet. No alcohol, no animal products, no processed, old, stale, reheated foods, no sweet treats. Just simple fresh plant based whole foods. Drink lots of fresh pure water and herbal teas. In the yogic tradition kitcheri is the best cleansing food as it is highly nutritious and easy to digest. Eat it as often as you like during your cleanse.

Eat enough that you are satisfied, not hungry, with the attitude that you are going easy on your digestive system. Going easy on your digestive system means it functions more efficiently to cleanse, detoxify AND rejuvenate!

BALANCED MOVEMENT

Of course some yoga asana (exercises) every day would be perfect. If you cannot make it to a class then practice Khatu Pranam either 10 x rounds or for 5 minutes, according to your time per day. Khatu Pranam is a balanced sequence that will give your body what it needs and your internal organs a good massage to help move out toxins and wastes. Energetically it has a harmonising effect.

A VALUABLE EXTRA

Agnisar Kriya and Nauli Kriya are Hatha Yoga Cleansing Kriyas. While included here for a spring cleanse, you will benefit from practicing these everyday all year. It only takes a couple of minutes on an empty stomach. These yogic techniques give a strong massage to the digestive organs with the result of stoking the digestive fire and thereby removing toxins, indigestion, and constipation. It helps the body to properly absorb the nutrients from what we eat and eliminate wastes in a timely manner.

Learn more here and also ask your Yoga in Daily Life teacher.