In our modern world, we are bombarded with hundreds, if not thousands, of pollutants and toxins—in our air, our water and our food. Now, more than ever, the importance of regular internal cleansing cannot be overemphasized. Healing traditions around the world recommend fasting and purification rituals as an integral part of the healing process. The unique Ayurvedic tradition of Panchakarma is a purification and rejuvenation system involving a series of specialized treatments designed to clear ama, or toxins, from the body.

While the traditional process of PK is rather involved, I have simplified it here for application to modern Western life. PK can be distilled into three basic phases and I’ve included simple actions you can take on your own to accomplish each phase:

1. Oleation - This is a process that lubricates and loosens ama (toxins) in the tissues, preparing it for removal from the body. This can be accomplished by simply taking 2 tablespoons per day of ground flax seed at the beginning of your cleanse. Flax provides many wonderful healing properties, such as anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant protection, and is also a mild laxative. This phase can last 1-2 days during which you should eat simply, such as rice and steamed vegetables, and avoid spicy, rich, and heavy foods.
   
   
2. Purification - This is the process that cleanses the major systems in the body, such as the liver, kidneys, skin, and blood, bringing loosened ama to the GI tract for elimination. The key to purification is fasting, which for our purposes means ingesting only pure water, herbal teas, organic juices or vegetable broth. This gives your body a break from digestion and allows your body’s innate detoxification system to do its work. Taking detoxifying herbs, such as milk thistle, dandelion, and neem, or cleansing formulas such as triphala, can greatly enhance this process, which can last from 1-3 days.
   
   
3. Elimination - This is the process whereby the body eliminates ama from the body through the intestines. This is best accomplished by taking mild laxative herbs such as cascara sagrada or Chinese rhubarb. I recommend avoiding cathartic laxatives like Senna, as they can be highly irritating to some people. While not an absolute must, daily enemas can greatly enhance the elimination process. This phase generally lasts 1-2 days.
   
   

Make sure you get plenty of rest and don’t undertake a cleanse when work or life is especially hectic. Schedule it when you have 3 days or so to slow down, release and relax.

For more information on internal cleansing, rejuvenation and renewal, using customized plans of the ancient system of Ayurveda, see our Naturopathic Doctor today to create a life of balance and optimal well being.