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January 2008 - Ayurveda: A Quick Cleanse for Body and Mind
The New Year is always a time when we start to think about detoxing or cleansing after festive excesses. It's also an opportunity to think about why we are toxic and why we don't feel well. Excesses can come in all shapes an forms, not just in the food and water we consume. There is also the pollution and chemicals in the air we breathe, the stress of our busy lifestyles, and our negative thoughts and emotions. All of these factors can play a role in creating toxins in the body.
The recent juice cleansing programme I was fortunate to go on was the longest one I've ever done. On reflection I can see how it could be considered a quick cleanse, even though it lasted two weeks. When I think of all that my body has had to deal with over my years on this earth, two weeks is nothing. Yet it was extremely effective and also quite easy. I can honestly say I felt no hungry pangs during the cleanse - one of my fears. Also I lost very little weight during the cleanse - another of my fears. Yet some of my colleagues lost up to 10 kgs, proving that juice cleansing helps to regulate the metabolism. The particular programme I followed was unique in that it combined juices, broth, herbs, Ayurvedic massage, yoga postures and meditation. There was also ongoing support from the programme leader, Frank Jensen, and other members of our amazing group.
When we broke the fast, the first food I ate, a piece of papaya with lime juice, tasted absolutely delicious. I realised how little attention we pay to the flavours in our food and also how much we eat for pleasure. I'm definitely savouring the taste of food even more now. Also since my ability to absorb nutrients improved and my stomach shrunk during the programme, I became much more discerning about what I put in my mouth. If space is restricted, you want to pick the best to put in it. This can apply to all areas of life, not just food. I also started thinking about all the activities I had been filling my life with until now. Were they all really necessary?
This programme gave me a taste of the power of cleansing at all levels and about how the body can repair itself if given the opportunity. (I saw proof of this when I compared data about my main organs recorded at the start and end of the programme). I also realised that once the body is clean, energy used for digestion and repair is free to clarify the mind. In my opinion, being able to do yoga exercises and meditation during this programme was a key factor in successly improving my vitality (and that of my colleagues). I am truly grateful for this experience, which is one I plan to repeat, and would highly recommend it. Read more about the programme (also available in Portugal) and its organisers here.
Copyright © 2008 Janet Gomez All rights reserved
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