While Western detox diets often focus...

While Western detox diets often focus on eliminating entire food groups, if not all food, for a period of time, Ayurvedic cleanses incorporate a whole food regimen designed to promote satisfaction as much as cleansing. Instead of eliminating foods, the theory is to harmonize the body with nature. Each season has a different tone, calling for its own set of foods that best suit the time of year. Scott Blossom, a Traditional Chinese Medical practitioner, yoga therapist, and Ayurvedic consultant, describes the seasonally based cleanse as being similar to the times of day. Your body likes to be in harmony with nature, so it follows both the sun and seasons. For example, the spring is like morning and one feels fresh and alive, yet, if we haven’t completely thawed out, one might experience excessive phlegm. Spring is therefore a good time to fast by reducing the amount of dairy and animal products in one’s diet and increasing vegetables. Whereas in the summer (or mid-day) when one’s physical and mental prowess is at its peak, cleansing is less important; however, this is also the easiest time to cleanse.

Neurologist David Simon, medical director and cofounder of The Chopra Center and author of The Ten Commitments: Translating Good Intentions into Great Choices (Health Communications Inc., 2006), acknowledges, “We generally experience some discomfort from detox, but generally it should not be too great or long lasting. Just like when you quit smoking, there might be discomfort at first because the chemistry of your body has been unnaturally altered.” According to Simon, this is not caused from being nutritionally deficient if you are on a healthy detox program. “Healthy detox diets that incorporate simplified foods are enough to keep you nutritionally sound. A couple of days of discomfort is likely associated with withdrawals from caffeine and any other chemicals that you have been pumping into your system. If you are used to drinking several cups of coffee or eating candy bars each day, the brain produces less of the chemicals that it needs because those chemicals are being provided from the outside. When you stop the unnatural substances, your brain has to start producing those chemicals again to establish balance.”

To be sure that you are on a healthy detox program, Simon suggests that if you are detoxing for seven days or more, that it be supervised. “After a couple of days of detoxing, you will find that your ability to concentrate at work will be substantially reduced, so it is a good idea to do that type of detox when on vacation or at a retreat. You should allow yourself to have time to rest when you are feeling tired, and surround yourself with people who are comfortable with the inevitable mood shifts that you will experience as your body detoxes.”

Decades ago, when less toxins were present in the environment and in our food and beauty products, we may have naturally been able to attain such a perfect presence; but we have slowly begun to succumb to the chemicals and pollutants that surround us. While our bodies are miraculous in design, Rachel Avalon, a reflexologist, massage therapist, and ACHS certified holistic nutritionist, acknowledges that, “the pressures of modern living impede the natural, self-correcting system. In addition to environmental factors, most people are suffering from an overgrowth of yeast due to an excess of refined sugars and antibiotics as well as parasites from high risk foods, traveling, and pets.”

Beyond the physical rewards, a cleanse can release old emotional toxicity as well. Avalon advises clients to integrate a cleanse with body treatments in order to enhance the detoxifying effects. “Dry brushing and scrubs let the skin breathe so it can better release toxins. Massage and reflexology activate the lymph among other things, which helps boost the immune system and flush out the released toxins.”

Spa treatments and yoga help speed up your body’s ability to regain balance. At The Chopra Center, Simon encourages guests to get daily massages, take yoga classes, walk, fall asleep at an earlier hour, and meditate, because it “helps speed up the process of detoxification and the awakening of the body’s internal pharmacy and ability to regulate itself.”

Of course, if your immune system is weakened or if you are pregnant or nursing, check with a doctor before going on a detox or cleansing program. An alternative health care practitioner may be able to devise a plan that works best for your particular state of health, concerns, or goals.