Contrary to popular belief, the new year is not the best time to cleanse your body for the upcoming year. According to Ayurveda, the most beneficial time for a detox is spring!
Other signs you may need a cleanse are:
- Weight gain or difficulty restoring balance to your body
- General fatigue or lack of energy
- Restless or poor quality sleep
- Skin or hair imbalances
- Irregular appetite or bowel movements
- Mental or emotional state feels “off”
How do you know it’s time for a cleanse?
If you’ve noticed any of these signs of imbalance, it may be time to think about a spring cleanse! We’ve gathered our seasonal tips for a simple and safe Ayurvedic Spring Detox cleanse at home in this easy-to-reference blog article that can help rejuvenate your mind and body so you can celebrate the spring season.
The Significance of Spring in Ayurveda
The science of Ayurveda is based on the elements and rhythms of nature and tuning into different ways the qualities and cycles of the seasons affect the mind and body. The seasons are governed by the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ayurveda views living in harmony with nature as the key to maintaining health and happiness. Ayurveda is rooted in “the principle that there is no inside or outside – everything in our environment affects us.”
Why Spring Cleanses are an Ayurvedic Staple
Spring is the season associated with Kapha Dosha and is considered an ideal time for purification. We tend to move slowly and preserve our energy in the winter and then come out of "hibernation" in the spring. Just as Mother Nature wakes up, we do as well. It’s a time to shed our winter coats, lighten things up, and harness the energy of the season to help us get moving.
In the Ayurvedic Spring Detox Guide, spring is the only recommended time for a whole-body cleanse. This time of year naturally supports the body to eliminate accumulated Kapha and balance the wet, heavy, and dense qualities of the season.
An Ayurvedic spring detox can help clear Ama (toxins), move stagnant energy, and invigorate the mind and body. It's considered the appropriate seasonal maintenance and is a traditional practice that is planned for and eagerly anticipated after a long winter of accumulation.
What Can an Ayurvedic Spring Detox Cleanse Do For You?
An Ayurvedic spring detox cleanse can restore balance to the entire system and bring a renewed sense of vigor and energy to your life, just like spring cleaning does with your home! Spring cleansing can support better sleep, improved skin and hair health, balanced digestion and metabolism, and mental and emotional clarity. Cleansing can also support weight loss.
Think of an Ayurvedic spring detox cleanse not only as a time to detoxify your mind and body, but also as an opportunity to press the reset button and help you reach your full potential!
Get Support for a True Spring Cleanse
A true cleanse according to Ayurveda is a multi-step process, and can sometimes be harmful to the body if it is not individually tailored, or include essential rejuvenation protocols. Improper cleansing may leave the body depleted or can even lead to greater imbalances. Getting support from a practitioner is ideal, especially if you're new to cleansing.
It’s also important to note, spring cleansing isn’t for everyone. If you are ill, severely exhausted, elderly, very young, pregnant, or actively menstruating, a cleanse may not be right for you. If you’re uncertain how to cleanse or what cleanse protocol is best for you, we recommend consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner or enrolling in Kerala Ayurveda’s 21-Day Spring Detox.
Seasonal Detox Habits to Try
While a formal cleanse is great during this season, you can also support your body's natural detoxification processes through other healthy seasonal habits.
Hydrate
Keeping yourself well hydrated during any cleanse supports your body as it flushes and naturally eliminates toxins. Without adequate hydration, you could experience aching, sluggishness, or excess heat in the body - all signs that you need more water.
Clean Up Your Diet
The simplest way to cleanse through diet is by minimizing or eliminating all animal products (dairy, meat, eggs), sugar, caffeine, and any foods you may be sensitive to – such as wheat or soy. Avoid processed foods and instead try to focus on a plant-based, whole foods diet filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. Light, warm meals, such as vegetable soups and steamed leafy greens, are best. Eating clean foods allows your digestive system to rest and reset as it won’t have to work as hard to digest processed foods.
A traditional Ayurvedic spring detox includes Kitchari, a one-pot meal made from a mix of rice, mung dal, and spices. Kitchari can be prepared with a wide range of vegetables and is a go-to healing staple in Ayurveda.
Harness The Power of Herbs
Triphala is one of our favorite herbal allies to support a digestive detox. This ancient Ayurvedic trio of tridoshic super fruits supports a healthy microbiome and helps rejuvenate the immune system. Taking Triphala in the spring can be a wonderful way to reset the colon, liver, and the largest organ you have — your skin!
In recent years, scientific and medicinal studies have reported findings on Holy Basil that support beliefs long held by Ayurvedic practitioners. We now know that Holy Basil truly does support homeostasis throughout the body. It also acts as an immuno-protectorate and supports the body’s natural detoxification process. And while there’s no such thing as a miracle pill when it comes to weight loss, research on Holy Basil has shown it can support weight management, healthy glucose levels, and digestion.
During seasonal shifts, Andrographis offers full-spectrum immunity support to help the body maintain a healthy respiratory system and protect against common seasonal irritants. Kerala’s Seasonal Relief is a go-to formulation to support a healthy inflammatory response. The ingredients of Turmeric, Triphala, Andrographis, and Bamboo Rhizome help the body cope with seasonal transitions.
A year-round favorite, Thikthaka Gritham is a bioavailable, herbal-infused ghee that supports the natural detoxification process and addresses skin problems from the inside out. Neem, Bacopa, and a powerhouse of antioxidants help revitalize and purify the skin. If you notice skin flares in the spring, dry skin during the cold winter months, or just want to support your summer glow, this is a great herbal ally.
Support your Ayurvedic spring detox with a blend of Ginger, Long Pepper Fruit, Cyperus, Tribulus, & Triphala in our Gokshuradi Guggulu to help maintain a healthy urinary tract and support the body's natural elimination process. A great choice when your kidneys are working hard actively flushing toxins from your body!
Declutter Your Space
Spring is the perfect time to declutter and deep clean your mind, body, and home. Clearing away dust, dirt, and "stuff" that has accumulated throughout the winter season is a must for a spring reset. It gives you the opportunity to reorganize your house and maybe even your office. Check in with yourself to see where you need to "lighten your load". When the weather allows, open the windows to let dust out and let fresh air in.
Unplug for a Digital Detox
Lifestyle routines are an important part of any cleanse. Your body needs a break from more than just processed foods, alcohol, or caffeine. Giving your mind a break from overstimulation and screen time supports a full body detox. Find ways to spend your downtime that nourish you and don’t require technology. That might be reading a book, taking Epsom salts baths in the evening, starting an Abhyanga (self-massage) practice, or practicing some gentle yoga or Pranayama in the evening before bed.
