Why is a fall cleanse important, according to Ayurveda?

Why is a fall cleanse important, according to Ayurveda?

Why is a fall cleanse important, according to Ayurveda?

In Ayurveda, a fall cleanse acts as a vital tune-up for your body’s intricate machinery, much like the regular maintenance your car requires to run smoothly. Just as you would change your vehicle’s oil and filters to prevent sludge buildup and ensure optimal performance, this seasonal cleanse helps flush out accumulated toxins and rebalance your system. 

By engaging in this rejuvenating process, you’re essentially giving your body’s engine a thorough cleaning, allowing it to operate more efficiently and withstand the wear and tear of daily life.

A Proactive Approach to Health

Moreover, an autumn cleanse serves as a proactive measure to winterize your body, similar to how you’d prepare your car for the harsh winter months ahead. Like adding antifreeze to your car’s radiator, this cleanse strengthens your immune system and helps prevent winter ailments. It also recalibrates your body’s internal thermostat, adjusting to the changing seasons just as you’d switch your car’s tires for better traction on icy roads.

By investing in this seasonal maintenance, you’re not only improving your current well-being but also safeguarding your health for the colder months to come, ensuring your body runs as smoothly as a well-oiled machine throughout the year

Here are 8 tops reasons how a fall cleanse will give you a tune-up for the winter months ahead: 

  1. It helps remove accumulated toxins (ama) and excess Pitta dosha that built up during the summer months. The heat and intensity of summer can lead to an accumulation of Pitta in the body.
  2. Fall represents a transition between seasons, from hot summer to cold winter. A cleanse supports the body in making this transition internally as well.
  3. It helps balance Vata dosha, which becomes more prominent in the fall and winter seasons. Balancing Vata can prevent issues like dryness, anxiety, and digestive problems.
  4. It strengthens the digestive fire (agni) and immune system in preparation for winter. This can help prevent winter illnesses.
  5. It allows for rejuvenation and nourishment of the body before the depleting effects of winter. Fall cleanses often focus more on rejuvenation compared to spring cleanses.
  6. It can help alleviate current imbalances and prevent future ones from occurring. Cleansing goes beyond just treating symptoms to address root causes.
  7. The moderate weather of fall makes it an ideal time for cleansing, as it’s neither too hot nor too cold. This allows the body to cleanse without additional stress.
  8. It helps shed what is no longer needed, mirroring the natural process of trees shedding leaves.

By doing a fall cleanse, one can reset the body-mind system, improve overall health, boost immunity, and prepare for the coming winter season in alignment with Ayurvedic principles.

Are you ready to experience more lightness and clarity in your mind, body and spirit while improving your digestion and safeguarding your health?

Embracing Ayurvedic principles through a fall cleanse offers a transformative path to holistic well-being that is both timely and profound. As the leaves change and nature prepares for renewal, your body and mind can also benefit from this ancient wisdom of balance and purification.

Join us in this Ayurvedic fall cleanse and experience the profound benefits that have stood the test of time for thousands of years.

Take the first step towards a more balanced life. 

By joining this Ayurvedic fall cleanse, you’re not merely participating in a temporary diet or fad; you’re embarking on a journey of self-discovery and lasting health. The principles you’ll learn and apply will extend far beyond the cleanse itself, empowering you with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and vitality. 

 

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Balancing the Peak of Summer Energy in August

Balancing the Peak of Summer Energy in August

Balancing the Peak of Summer Energy in August

In the Northern hemisphere, the summer season has reached its peak – Ayurveda recommends focusing on cooling and balancing practices to counteract the accumulated intensity of the Pitta energy of the season. Start your day with a refreshing routine by splashing cool water on your face and eyes, followed by gentle exercises like yoga or a morning walk in nature before the day heat sets in.  By following these Ayurvedic principles, you can nurture your well-being and transition smoothly into the approaching fall season.

Physiologically, there are changes happening in the body, mind and spirit as the heat accumulates from the summer. Your intelligent body knows that a change of season is in the air, and it starts beginning to insulate the skin for the cooler mornings and nights.  You may start noticing more dryness on your skin in August. 

Five Ayurvedic Self-Care Tools

Here are five Ayurvedic self-care tools that anyone can implement in their daily routine for the month of August:

  1. Follow a Pitta-Pacifying Diet to take care of your gut health:

August is a time when Pitta dosha, associated with fire and water elements, can become aggravated. To balance Pitta, focus on cooling, hydrating, and soothing foods. Incorporate sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes into your meals, and avoid hot, spicy, oily, salty, and fermented foods. Cooling foods like cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens are ideal. Limit stimulants like coffee, which can increase Pitta.

  1. Practice Abhyanga (Self-Massage) – A self-care tool for your skin:

Daily or weekly self-massage with oils (abhyanga) can help counteract dryness and keep the skin vibrant. Use cooling oils like coconut oil or specially formulated Pitta Abhyanga Oil, which contains herbs like shatavari, manjistha, and neem to cool and soothe the body.

  1. Engage in Cooling Activities for self-care for the mind:

Spend time in nature and engage in moderate exercise during cooler parts of the day. Avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours (10am-2pm). Activities like swimming in cool water or walking in shaded areas can help balance the body’s heat.

  1. Hydrate with Ayurvedic Drinks to cool the gut:

Incorporate Ayurvedic beverages that help cool and hydrate the body. Pitta Tea, made with ingredients like rose, tulsi, and lemon verbena, can be a refreshing alternative to regular tea or coffee. These drinks help reduce internal heat and provide a calming effect.

  1. Incorporate Cooling Herbs and Spices – A self-care tip to balance your stress:

Use herbs and spices that have cooling properties to balance Pitta. Herbs like ashwagandha and shankhapushpi can help strengthen the body and mind, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. These herbs are particularly beneficial as the body prepares for the transition from summer to fall.

By integrating these Ayurvedic self-care tools into your daily routine, you can maintain balance and health during the month of August.  Some of you may transition well into the fall season, while others may experience their most vulnerable season this fall, depending on their unique constitution.  It’s time to keep your immunity strong!

Note: Any herb should be taken with guidance of an Ayurvedic physician or Ayurvedic practitioner because each of us is unique in nature.

We dig deeper into self-care practices through workshops, diet, movement, meditation and rest during our Fall Equinox Self-Care retreat. These are crucial times to empower ourselves with Ayurvedic wisdom. Join in this retreat with other like-minded women: 

 If you are experiencing any Pitta related symptoms (learn more about Pitta related symptoms) I can help you through them by customizing your wellness solutions through diet, movement, breathwork, sleep and a personalized protocol. Book a free call with me to discuss.

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What symptoms become dominant during Pitta – season of heat?

What symptoms become dominant during Pitta – season of heat?

What symptoms become dominant during  Pitta — season of heat?

The season of heat and fire has become more dominant now. We are in full swing in the summer season. Although I love the summer season and the beautiful greenery that it brings to us – it doesn’t come without its associated manifestations. Each one of us will react differently to the summer heat, although folks who already have a dominant Pitta dosha will see this heat manifest in their body, minds and spirits more than others.

Pitta Season

During the Pitta season, which typically occurs in late spring through early fall when temperatures are hottest, several symptoms associated with Pitta imbalance tend to become more dominant. Here are the top 10 symptoms:

  1. Skin issues: Pitta-dominant individuals may experience increased skin problems like rashes, acne, inflammation, and sensitivity to sun exposure.
  2. Digestive issues: Symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, and diarrhea can become more prevalent.
  3. Heat-related symptoms: Excessive sweating, feeling overheated, hot flashes, and sensitivity to hot temperatures are common.
  4. Inflammation: Various forms of inflammation throughout the body may increase.
  5. Headaches and migraines: These can become more frequent, often accompanied by a burning sensation.
  6. Emotional imbalances: Individuals may experience increased irritability, impatience, frustration, anger, and a tendency to be overly critical or judgmental.
  7. Sleep disturbances: Pitta imbalances can lead to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, as well as excessive dreaming.
  8. Thirst and dehydration: There may be an increased need for hydration and cooling beverages.
  9. Eye-related issues: Sensitivity to bright light and eye irritation can occur.
  10. Fatigue and burnout: Despite having high energy levels when balanced, Pitta types may experience exhaustion if they push themselves too hard.

How to Manage Pitta Symptoms

To manage these symptoms during Pitta season, it’s recommended to follow a Pitta-balancing diet, stay cool, practice relaxation techniques, and engage in cooling activities like swimming. It’s important to note that while these symptoms are associated with Pitta imbalance, they can vary in severity and manifestation depending on individual factors. Furthermore, the solution to any of these symptoms can vary too, depending on the cause and severity.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, I can help you through them by customizing your wellness solutions through movement, diet, breathwork, sleep and diet protocol. 

Check my blog for a Pitta pacifying Coriander and Mint Chutney which is a wonderful cooling medicine for this Pitta season.

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Green Tea Blend + CCF tea

Green Tea Blend + CCF tea

Green Tea Blend + CCF tea

Based on The Hot Belly Diet

This is a simple detox tea recipe for the spring Kapha season. 

This tea blends the medicinal seeds of Coriander, Cumin and Fennel (CCF) with Ginger and Green Tea to create a powerful blend to remove toxins, while keeping the body balanced through the season.

The recipe can be customized according to body-mind type as well. 

  • Kapha: Can use this recipe everyday.
  • Pitta: They can increase the amount of fennel seeds and use lime juice, instead of lemon in this recipe to soothe their digestive system (use 2 teaspoons instead of 1 teaspoon)
  • Vata: Can use all the other ingredients, and substitute to caffeine-free green tea version because of their delicate nervous system.

Some simple concepts to keep in mind:

  • Drink this tea warm only
  • Make a fresh batch every day (do not store for next day).
  • Use this tea until late afternoon if you are using a caffeinated Green tea version, and then switch to drinking plain warm water (with a bit of lime/lemon)

Ingredients

  • 1 quart water (almost one litre)
  • 1 teaspoon of whole fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of whole coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon of whole cumin seeds
  • ½ teaspoon of grated ginger
  • One tea bag of green tea (caffeinated or non-caffeinated)
  • Squeeze drops of Lime/Lemon after tea is made

⭐ Method to make:

  • Boil the ginger, green-tea and the seeds in a pot, for at least 10 minutes (lid covered)
  • Strain into a thermos and squirt in some juice of lemon or lime after the tea is strained.
  • Opt for green tea with no-additives or preservatives.

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Cabbage & Carrot Curry

Cabbage & Carrot Curry

Cabbage & Carrot Curry

Anti-inflammatory + Rich in Vitamin C

Cabbage is a rich source of Vitamin C and anti-inflammatory. It has an extractive quality and is a blood purifier. Cabbage has a light quality which helps remove heaviness in the body and it kindles the digestive fire. It should always be eaten with a cooked grain – or on top of a piece of toast.


Difficult to digest?

Raw cabbage can be difficult to digest for folks who have a delicate digestion – in which case, cooking the cabbage well with a good number of spices will alleviate that issue. 

In this Ayurvedic recipe, I’ve combined the cabbage with the carrots, which makes this an augmenting and extractive recipe (balanced quality).

Prep time: 20 minutes

  • Serves 2

Main ingredients:

  • 2 cups of cabbage (chopped up medium to fine width)
  • 1 cup of grated carrots 
  • 2-3 tablespoons of ghee or oil
  • ½ to 1 tsp Himalayan pink salt
  • Pinch of asafoetida (hing powder)
  • Pinch of mustard seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1 piece of cinnamon stick (1 inch to 2 inches long)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice

Method:

  • In a medium heavy-bottom sauté pan, add some ghee/oil first on medium heat.
  • Then once oil is warm enough, add in the mustard seeds, until they pop.
  • Next, add the cumin seeds, cloves and cinnamon stick and stir around to smell the aroma.  
  • Add in the turmeric powder and salt – Do not let the spices burn.
  • Next, add in the chopped cabbage and grated carrots and mix this mixture well.
  • Add a few tablespoons of water to make sure that the spices do not stick to the pan.
  • Cover the lid for 2 minutes (to allow softening of vegetables), 
  • Next, open the lid and check consistency – dry versus soft and smooth or mushy texture
  • Once the vegetable dish is ready, pour the lime juice and mix well.
  • Serve this tangy and detox recipe with a grain dish or kitchari. 

© Copyright 2023 Sonia Sharma

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Spring cleanse soup

Spring cleanse soup

Detox Beet and Cauliflower Soup

Beets are a detoxifying vegetable to help cleanse the liver. They are dense, heavy, and considered sweet in nature. Cauliflower is a lighter vegetable and an extractive vegetable. The combination of both together, makes this soup a balanced spring cleanse recipe. 

If beets are not cooked properly, they will aggravate all the doshas, especially if they are eaten raw and cold. Both beets and cauliflower are best eaten cooked, warm and with spices and herbs to help keep your digestion strong while absorbing their amazing benefits.

Prep time: 40 minutes

  • Serves 3 to 4 people

Main ingredients:

  • 2 cups red beets, peeled and cut into small pieces. 
  • 2 cups small pieces of cauliflower
  • 3-5 cups of water for cooking vegetables – Amount of water varies, depending on whether you are heating in fast cooker or not and your body type.

Herbs and Spices:

  • 2-4 tbsp ghee or oil
  • 1 to 1.5 tsp Himalayan salt
  • ¼ tsp ajwain seeds
  • ¼ tsp coriander seeds
  • ¼ tsp fennel seeds
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped finely
  • ½ medium sized onion, chopped finely
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 2 tsp fresh mint leaves, chopped finely for garnishing
  • Pinch of pepper for garnishing (depending on body type)

Kitchen gear:

  • Medium sized soup pot
  • Mortar and pestle
  • Cutting board
  • Knife for chopping
  • Hand blender or large blender
  • Optional – Instant pot (fast cooker)

Method:

  • Heat ghee or oil in a large pot on medium heat
  • Grind ajwain seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds in the mortar and pestle.
  • Sauté the seed mixture for 10-20 seconds in the soup pot.
  • Add salt, onions, garlic, and ginger and cook more for 1-2 minutes.
  • Make sure the mixture doesn’t stick to the pan. (Add a few tablespoons of water if needed to keep moist) – Sauté no more than 1 minute.
  • Add the chopped beets and cauliflower and mix well.
  • Close lid and sweat the veggies a little (about 3-4 minutes). You may need to add a little water to make sure none of the vegetables stick to bottom of pan.
  • Add enough water to the mixture in the pot, so the vegetables are all covered, and the water in the pot is about ½ inch higher than mixture.
  • Heat can be between medium to high and let vegetables cook. Make sure lid is on.
  • Keep checking the vegetables for softness with a fork.
  • This process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 20 minutes, depending on how small the beets were cut. Beets take longer to cook than cauliflower. ( I use an Instant pot and pressure cook this mixture on high heat for 22 minutes.)
  • Once the beets are tender (check with fork), then turn off the heat.
  • Leave aside for 10 minutes or so and then using a hand blender or a regular blender, puree the soup.
  • Garnish the soup with chopped mint leaves and a pinch of black pepper (based on body type)

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