Ayurveda Spring Cleanse and Tips

A guest post by Carla Levy C.A.S. Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist. 

Ayurveda teaches us to observe and understand nature in order to better understand ourselves. Winter is a time of heaviness and the channels of the body become clogged. Spring is a time of cleansing and renewal. It is natures new year. As we come out of winter into a time of more light, more growth and more warmth, follow these tips that will help support you in having a wonderful spring:

1. Wake up a little earlier and start the day by scraping your tongue to remove ama (bacteria). Follow this with a glass of warm water with lemon. This will help to hydrate your body as well as begin the process of peristalsis to eliminate toxins.

2. Dry skin brushing in the spring is a great way to get rid of old dead skin and stimulate lymphatic drainage.

3. Follow this with a warm oil massage. Sesame oil is a great oil to use. Massage your whole body well and leave on for 15 minutes before taking a warm shower.

4. Begin eating lighter grains like quinoa and barley. Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Favor bitter greens such as spinach, kale and chard. Bitter foods are cholagogues, which encourage the liver and gall bladder to release bile.  Make lunch your largest meal and have a smaller dinner to drop excess winter weight.

5. As this season is a time when mucus is prevalent, cut down on dairy, sugar, cold drinks and fried or oily foods.

6. If you do experience phlegm or have spring allergies, have some ginger tea with black peppercorns to open up the channels of the respiratory system. Try some Chavanprash jam to strengthen your immune system.

7.  Take triphala pills in the evening to strengthen your digestive system. Think about doing a cleanse as this is the optimal time.

Spring will support you in cleaning out your body, mind and emotions. Take time to be outside in nature and let go of the past. Notice what is blooming all around you and nurture what is waiting to bloom inside of you!

Happy Spring!

For more information or to schedule an Ayurvedic consultation when you are at the Ranch contact Carla at Ayurveda@carlalevy.org