Detoxification programs work best in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle.  Studies have shown that the immune system improves substantially following 3 months following pancha karma therapies, however, if there is a quick return to poor habits and unhealthy lifestyle, results could potentially be sabotaged.

In Ayurveda, detoxification refers to the reduction of excess doshas and elimination of ama.  This can be done slowly overtime through lifestyle practices, diet and herbs; or more immediately through detoxification measures, including panchakarma.

All of ayurveda’s internal treatments (cikitsa) can be separated into two main categories:.  Brimhana, ‘to make heavy’ and langhana, ‘to make light’.  Brimhana refers to the rasayana (anti-aging) and vajikarna (aphrodisiac) therapies, which require building and rejuvenation.  Langhana refers to the shamana, ‘palliative’ and shodhana ‘purification’ procedures in Ayurveda.  Detoxification and cleansing naturally fall into these latter categories.

Shamana therapies refer to lifestyle according to constitutional type and season.  These work to reduce doshic excesses and detoxify slowly over time. Shodhana, refers to panchakarma, five primary procedures that powerfully remove toxins from the body.  Lifestyle practices (shamana) are the most important therapy when undergoing any detoxification program.  No cleanse will work without appropriate shamana practices.

Ayurveda generally teaches ongoing detoxification is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. Longer programs are used at least once a year, while shorter programs can be used at the junction of every season. Cleansing can release many physical toxins, but we store mental and emotional ones as well, these too can be released when you are ready.