Individualization Based on Ayurvedic Mind/Body Typing (Doshas)

Cleanses are individualized according to mind/body type and imbalance.  Cleanses work to remove excess ama (toxins) and excess doshas (vata, pitta, kapha.)  Some procedures are palliative (removes excesses slowly over time) and some are immediate (panchakarma procedures).

Most of the home based cleanse programs are palliative in nature, as the stronger eliminations are not safe to do without proper supervision from an Ayurvedic practitioner.

Digestion

Digestion must be regulated before proper detoxification can occur.  Spiced waters and herbs are used according to doshic type to regulate agni (digestive fire).  Vata types usually need warmth and lubrication to reduce constipation, dryness or irregular digestion.  Pittas need cooling to help calm the secretion of liver enzymes and fire in the small intestine, both of which can lead to fast digestion or poor nutrient assimilation.  Kaphas need warmth and dryness to help stimulate stagnate and slow digestion, break up excess mucus and stimulate metabolism.

Eliminations

There are several elimination procedures defined as panchakarma (5 actions) used as the primary procedures.  Please read what is panchakarma for a more detailed explanation.  Many home procedures use a modified version of these.

Proper Preparation

Ayurveda prepares the body for a set period of days in order to facilitate detoxification.  This preparation is done with the external application of medicinal oils, the internal injestion of medicinal oils (usually medicated ghee or flaxseed oil) and steam.  This is to help lubricate the tissues, ensure the deep penetration of certain herbs, and facilitate their removal with sweating therapies.

Diet

Is individualized, but can be: doshic specific, ama reducing, sattvic diet, mono-diet, kichadis diet, samsarjana diet, fasting (raw food, juice, tea, soup).

Herbs

Herbs are used to cleanse the body.  Usually the liver, blood, lymphatic systems, and colon.  After digestion, the lymphatic system is first to be affected by toxicity.  From here, the toxins move into the liver.  If the liver is toxic, toxins will enter the blood.  These toxins can circulate deeper to different areas in the body. The liver is most connected with the emotion anger, and pitta types are most prone to this emotion when out of balance. Poor digestion, and colon function also inhibit proper detoxification.  Herbs are used to safely cleanse the colon of impacted fecal matter, and restore proper functioning.

Other Common Features

Laxatives, medicated enemas, therapuetic fasting, restricted diet, herbs, skin brushing, herbal oil application.