I am sure that all of you are getting excited with the coming of spring. 

It is the time everyone has the chance to be active and really enjoy life after the cold, slow & dull winter. Many of us use this time to spring clean our homes, cleaning out the sluggishness of the cold months. Those of us who have better awareness also see this as a time to de-toxify or ‘spring clean’ our bodies.

Spring is one of the best times de-toxify, to remove all the toxins that can naturally accumulate in our system and make our bodies feel sluggish.

What is de-toxification?

De-toxification is a natural process to revive the bodily intelligence by eliminating the accumulation of toxins in our body tissues & cells.

What is the difference between Ayurvedic de-toxification and other natural de-toxification treatments?

Ayurvedic de-toxification is able to identify the areas in the body where toxins can collect and focus the de-toxification programme in these areas. For example, if one has an imbalance at the mental/nervous level due to a buildup of mental toxins, there is no point in just de-toxifying the body at a physical level.

Ayurvedic de-toxification can also correct the cause of the toxin accumulation rather than just treating the symptoms. It also will help to rejuvenate and revitalize your body at the same time by reviving the body's natural intelligence.

Ayurveda has the most effective & systematic de-toxification and rejuvenation programme available to medical science. Called Panchkarma, it has been used for centuries by those who wish to undertake a ‘spring clean’ of their bodies.

Panch means five & Karma, action. This programme consists of 5 different methods to de-toxify & rejuvenate the body at every level - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

The programme consists of 3 different levels:

1. Preparation of the body
2. Main operation to de-toxify each bodily tissue in a systematic process
3. Post-operative programme that helps to nourish the body and revive its natural intelligence

What is the difference between Panchkarma & Colonic irrigation?

Colonic irrigation is a direct cleansing of the colon using either soap or coffee mixed with water. It is like cleaning a blocked drain pipe but unless you investigate the cause of the blockage it will inevitably re-appear. Secondly, toxins are not just in your colon but are found in the body's deep muscle tissue and organs. If you do not try to dislodge the toxins from these deeper tissues and bring them to the gastro-intestational tract for removal, then we are only doing half the job. Third, most of the solutions used in the colonic irrigation process can aggravate Vata in the colon because they make area drier & rough, leading to more problems.

Panchkarma, on the other hand, works to dislodges all the toxins from the deep tissues and brings them to the GI tract to flush them out. Secondly, the enema used in Panchkarma are prepared with warm oil infused with medicated herbs & fortified with products such as ghee, honey & black salt that gently collect the toxins from the colon and remove them from the body.

Why is a special diet required during Panchkarma?

When we commit to the de-toxification process we do so because we understand that something is not right with our bodies. Due to the wrong diet and lifestyle choices toxins have accumulated. During the de-toxification programme, if you keep eating the same kind of foods, you can expect that more toxins will accumulate.

During the Panchkarma programme, the focus is to eat foods that are light & easy to digest rather than the same heavily processed foods that are difficult to digest. This focus on special food and drink makes the treatment more specific and helps to eliminate toxins more easily. Another important point to consider is that during the de-toxification process our metabolic function gets weaker and if we eat the foods during this time that are heavy and difficult to digest, it will lead to the accumulation of more toxins.

How does the Ayurvedic fasting programme differ from other modalities’ programmes?

In other de-toxification fasting programmes, clients are normally advised not to eat anything but are still allowed to drink cold water or are given cold fruit juice and cold milk to drink a certain number of times a day. Also, when the fasting programme is finished, the client is allowed to eat meat or other heavy foods that can negatively impact of our weakened digestive function.

The Ayurvedic programme, on the other hand, systematically introduces very light and easily digestible food as well as certain kitchen herbs to help with digestion.

How does Planet Ayurveda’s Seasonal Mix help in the de-toxification programme?

It doesn’t matter how well you prepare your food or how organic or super organic your ingredients, the food you eat will always release toxins during the digestive process.  However, Planet Ayurveda’s Seasonal Mix is a preparation of specific herbs that not only minimise the release of these toxins but also acts as an antidote to their more toxic effects.

During any de-toxification programme, it is important that you add this seasonal mix to your cooking.

How long does a Panchkarma take?

Planet Ayurveda has 7, 10 or 14 day programmes available. Selecting the best programme for you is something best discussed with Dr. Ajit. In general terms, to get the most out of the treatment, a 7 or 10 day programme is recommended.

Can I work during a Panchkarma?

Because Panchkarma is such a comprehensive treatment, you should make time in your life to take full advantage of its profound effect. We therefore recommend that you take time off work appreciate the treatments and give yourself time to reflect on the changes occurring at the physical, emotional & spiritual levels.

Can I have a Panchkarma treatment even if I don’t have any health problems?

Yes. Because the programme is the only way to revive our bodily intelligence at the deepest level, Panchkarma is recommended for everyone, regardless of their age and state of health.

If I don’t have time for a Panchkarma, can other Ayurvedic treatments help?

Yes. All our bodywork treatments such as massage & steam, bolus & udwarthnam help to de-toxify the body. The only difference between these treatments and a Panchkarma programme is that it takes longer to remove toxins from the deep body tissue. During a Panchkarma you receive daily massage (by 2 therapists) & steam which works quickly to dislodge toxins from the body so they can be collected & removed. Our bodywork treatments have the same affect, though because they are often 3-4 weeks apart, it takes longer for the affects to be felt.

How can I de-toxify my skin?

Ayurveda considers the health of your skin to be an external indicator of your inner health. Diseases that manifest in the skin are just a reflection of what is occurring inside our bodies. Once you bring your inner self into balance, these problems will disappear and your skin will be healthy & glowing.