Clients and friends often ask me about cleansing. While I believe that regular detoxing is vital, I am also extremely cautious about what methods I use, as many so-called “cleanses” can do more harm than good.
I’ve tried and failed at a few programs before–both juice cleanses, which can really unbalance someone with a lot of Vata energy, and other detox programs, which are so long and restrictive that I felt punished and defeated before I even began. I’m especially weary of such regimens during the winter months when it’s cold and the body needs nurturing, warmth and rest.
Recently, after feeling sluggish for a few months, I was looking for a safe cleanse–preferably Ayurvedic. My friend Pamela Rich, a fellow holistic health counselor and a Chopra Center Certified Vedic Master, recommended a week-long Ayurvedic detox program. Trusting both Pamela and the wisdom of Ayurveda, I decided to give it a try. Having just completed my seventh day, I can happily report that I feel amazing and am so glad to have found a cleanse method that works so well.
Cleanses seem trendy these days, but in reality they’ve been done for thousands of years. Ayurveda considers regular detoxing an essential part of maintaining a healthy mind, body and spirit.
The cleanse I used consisted of taking a blend of Ayurvedic herbs twice a day, along with a fiber supplement and detoxifying oil. What I loved about this particular cleanse was the freedom to opt for eating sensible meals or choosing a meal replacement shake.
Ayurvedic herbs seem to know what each body needs. The beauty of an Ayurvedic cleanse is that it brings the body back into balance rather than making it dependent on dietary supplements. For this reason, the process and results of such a program are going to be different for everyone. Some people need to lose or gain weight, while others are looking to curb addictions or cravings. Each person's emotional and physical needs are unique.
Personally, I experienced a lot of emotional clearing and by day three, my (recently strong) cravings for sweets and simple carbohydrates had disappeared. I wasn’t setting out to lose a lot of weight, and I don’t own a scale, but I definitely feel lighter and clearer.
When embarking on a cleanse, pay attention to and respect the wisdom of YOUR body by listening to the signals it is giving. For instance, if you feel tired, get more rest and if you feel overly emotional, take the time to journal or call a close friend.
This cleansing program can be done any time, but Ayurveda recommends four times a year at the change of seasons. Even if you follow an extremely healthy lifestyle, the reality is that we live in a toxic world and pretty much everyone is exposed to harmful chemicals and heavy metals in their daily life.
Spring is approaching here in the Northeast and it is a great time to think about cleansing the body of the toxins and fats that may have accumulated over the winter.
If any of you are interested in trying out the program that I just completed, I would be happy to guide you through it. The cleanse that I used is called Zrii Purify. Anyone embarking on this program can also opt to join a Facebook support group which will be held in March.
Please contact me if you would like to sign up to purchase Zrii products as a wholesaler. As you'll see, I got so excited about this product that I jumped on board! Zrii is the only third-party product endorsed by the Chopra Center. You can also buy Purify and other products retail directly from my Zrii page.
Happy cleansing!
Barbara Sinclair is a visual artist, holistic health and energy healing practitioner in NYC. You can read more articles on her blog at barbarasinclair.com.
Sweet :/