What’s a Traditional Ayurvedic Cleanse?
Written by: Deepa Somasunderam
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Deep dive into panchakarma, a common practice in South Asia.
A traditional ayurvedic cleanse is known as “panchakarma” and it is one of the most essential parts of Ayurveda. Panchakarma consists of five different methods of cleansing which are practiced together or separately to balance, cure and restore your body.
What is the meaning of ayurveda? Ayurveda, the Sanskrit word for the “science of life” is one of the world’s oldest medical systems. Originating in India, it is uniquely patient-oriented and focuses on each person’s unique construction.
An industry expert is best to advise us on this so we turned to Dr. Nimesha Dissanayake, the resident ayurvedic doctor at Santani Wellness, where she customizes and administers ayurvedic cleanses to patients. Keep reading for her tips.
Dr. Nimesha Dissanayake, the Resident Ayurvedic Doctor at Santani Wellness Resort & Spa.
Dr. Nimesha is a registered Ayurvedic Medical Practitioner in Sri Lanka. She studied Ayurveda and Surgery at the Institute of Indigenous Medicine in the University of Colombo.
Santani has been rated as one of the Greatest Places in the World by Time Magazine, one of the best wellness retreats in the world by Vogue magazine and one of the best spas in the world by Tatler and CNN Travel.
What’s an ayurvedic cleanse?
In modern terms, ayurvedic cleansing is a type of detox or purge. This ancient detox method is a very thorough and detail-oriented type of cleansing that is administered by registered ayurvedic doctors. Let us consider what this means (i.e. what is the definition of an ayurvedic cleanse).
“There are five cleansing methods in Ayurveda,” Dr. Nimesha explains. “These five cleansing treatments were set out in Charaka-Samhitha and Sushruta-Samhitha which are the foundational texts written in Ayurveda medicine.”
These cleansing treatments or ayurvedic detox treatments are administered to balance Vata, Pitta and Kapha which are the three vital doshas (or energy) that maintain and sustain the body.
Let’s take a look at each one of these ayurvedic detoxification methods to understand and which of these is best for each dosha.
Types of ayurvedic cleanse
Vamana
Vamana is a procedure to induce therapeutic vomiting or expel out toxins (vitiated doshas) through the oral route.
Dissanayake tells us that this method is usually “recommended for the patient who is Kapha dominant and who suffers from diseases caused by Kapha aggravation.”
Virechana
This is a purgation treatment. Dissanayake explains that, “therapeutic purgation is done for patients who are Pitta dominant and suffer from diseases caused by Pitta aggravation.”
She also says that, “purgation is also effective to restore Kapha in their proper seat of the body and it regulates the actions of Vata dosha.”
Basthi
Basthis is a rectal enema and this can be done with an oil (anuvasana basthi) or a decoction (Niruha/asthapana basthi).
Dissanayake reminds us that, “rectal enema (basti) is the most effective and supreme cleansing treatment of all and at least 9, 11 or 16 days are needed to complete the procedure as a therapeutic cleansing intervention.”
Nasyam
Nasyam is the administration of nasal medication.
Dr. Nimesha tells us that, “Nasyam is good for diseases caused by Kapha that manifest above the thorax (neck and head). This treatment effectively clears excess phlegm/mucus from blocked sinuses.”
Raktamokshna
This is blood purification therapy or bloodletting in which small quantities of impure blood is removed from the body.
Dissanayake says that this “is a cleansing treatment performed to remove impure blood due to an aggravated Raktha dosha from circulation and in the Sushrutha treatise it is recognized as a more efficient cleansing treatment of all.”
Deciding what sort of cleanse is best for your body
This is best done by a registered ayurvedic practitioner. When assessing a patient, Dissanayake says she makes this decision based on a range of factors.
She explains, “it depends on the physical and psychological constitution, strength of the patient (Rogee bala) and the stage of the disease (Roga bala), age of the patient (Vayah), season (Kala), location of disease manifestation (Desha) and digestive power (Agni) of the patient.”
Deciding on the length of your cleanse
Ayurvedic cleanses can last for different lengths of time so we turned to Dr Dissanayake for advice on how to decide the length of your cleanse.
“The number of days needed for the cleansing treatment is decided by the ayurvedic physician after careful examination of the patient and also it depends on the types of cleansing treatments that the patient will have,” Dissanayake says.
Generally, this is not a quick fix treatment and each type of detoxification can be a 2 week cleanse. Dissanayake advises us that, “for a single type of cleanse, a patient needs 12 - 14 days to complete the treatment protocol.”
The stages of the Ayurvedic cleanse
Ayurvedic cleanses generally have three stages and Dissanayake helpfully broke down the stages for us.
Purva Karma (preparation period)
Dissanayake explains that the “first seven days are the preparation period (purva karma) of the body for the main cleansing treatment.”
“In this phase, the patient is administered herbal medicines to increase digestive fire (agni deepana), undergoes activities and dietary modifications to soften and metabolize undigested matter or toxins (ama) in the body,” Dissanayake says.
Dissanayake continues, “along with that he will be given internal and external oleation (snehana/oil application) and sudation (swedana/induced sweating) treatments by using the steam.”
A number of important steps are performed during this preparation period.
Pradhana Karma (the main cleanse)
The procedure for the main cleanse (pradhana karma) starts on the seventh day and Dissanayake says, “on the ninth day the main cleansing treatment will be performed.”
Paschat Karma (follow-up therapies)
Soon after the main cleansing treatment, follow up therapies (paschat karma) begin and this can take 5-7 days. This includes, “progressive incorporation of patient-specific diet –regime and administration of health promoting (rejuvenating) and disease preventing herbal medicines.”
If the patient is having any difficulty to allocate more days spending under physician supervision at a ayurvedic care center, he can talk with his physician to continue the first seven days or the preparation period while continuing his normal routine with periodic consultation by 1 or 2 days apart until the main cleansing treatment (pradhana karma) starts.
The role of ghee in ayurvedic cleanses
Ghee is commonly given to ayurvedic cleanse patients to aid and speed up the detoxification process.
Why Ghee?
We consulted Dissanayake on why this is and she provided us with the expert detail. “Ghee is given for internal oilation of the body,” she explained and continued, “Ingestion of ghee helps to bind and eliminate fat-soluble toxins from tissues and to maintain a healthy intestinal wall,” she tells us.
“Ghee is rich in omega -3- fatty acids that act as powerful anti oxidant. Ghee can acts as a blood thinner because it has anticoagulation activity. This helps to improve the blood circulation in the system eventually speed up detoxification. Hence fat soluble toxins are difficult to eliminate from its binding sites. Myelin layers of nerve cells are one of the vital areas susceptible for the deposition of fat soluble toxins because it is made up of protein and fatty substance. Adipose tissue (connective tissue) is the other system that is susceptible for the deposition of fat soluble toxins,” Dissanayake says.
Ayurvedic Ghee
Usually, the ghee is combined with ayurvedic herbs that have therapeutic or body cleansing effects before being given to patients.
Dissanayake tells us the “patient’s body constitution, aggravated doshas and the area of disease manifestation should be considered when selecting the type of ghee to administer.”
Dissanayake highlights Brahmee ghee which is prepared using the juice of Bacopa Monnieri plant with few other herbs and this ghee is effective for disorders related to the nervous system.
When choosing detox herbs in ayurveda or herbs for cleansing the body, there are many plants to choose from. Dissanayake advises that “there are many other medicated ghees made with bitter tasted herbal plant juices like Azadirachta indica (margosa), Justicia adhathoda (Malabar –nut), Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Trichosanthes integrifolia, Solanum virginianum (wild eggplant).”
Yoga, meditation, and massage during an ayurvedic cleanse
During a cleanse, it is common for patients to be prescribed massage, meditation and yoga.
The purpose is for the patient to “obtain a true sense of wisdom by doing yoga, meditation and massage with cleansing,” Dissanayake says.
Massage
Dissayanake tells us that, “massage is done to oleate the body externally following sudation (induced sweating). Oleation and induced sweating relax the muscles and tissues by softening and improving metabolism of residual toxic compounds and expelling them through the tiny pores of the skin.”
Yoga and meditation
“Yoga and meditation along with a cleansing can aid to eliminate physical and mental impurities or toxins by improving the flexibility and tone of the tissues while connecting mind, body and spirit together by removing obstructions for the energy flow,” Dissanayake explains.
Daily and seasonal rituals
“Few types of nasyam, body oelation, body scrubbing and some types of oil enemas can be performed as daily rituals and they don’t have any harmful effects to healthy adults,” Dissayanake says.
This is especially helpful when seasons change. “Mainly during the time periods of seasonal changes, cleansing treatments are beneficial to eliminate aggravated doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) caused by the previous season. In such occasions a physician’s advice is essential to find out the aggravated dosha and to select the appropriate cleansing treatment because seasonal variation has a direct influence on the doshas in the body,” Dissanayake explains.
How to plan your ayurvedic cleanse?
In advance of starting the cleansing treatment plan, there are a number of things you can do to prepare yourself for the cleanse which includes changing your diet.
Things you can do before a cleanse
Dissanayake gives us some ideas of preparatory steps you can take at home before attending your cleanse.
Keep your closest ones informed
“Always let your family or emergency contact know that you will be engaging in an ayurvedic cleanse.”
Deal with addictions
“If you have any addictions to food, drink, beverages, substances or activities, it's best to refrain from these and get external assistance from family or a medical professional if necessary.”
Change your diet
“Avoid processed food, meat, eating out, and foods with fat and sugar.”
Develop a regular eating schedule
“Have a regular eating pattern: Eat regularly, keeping more than 3 hours in between meal times and minimize snacking. Eating less food is helpful to digest undigested matter (ama) in the digestive system.”
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
“Stay sufficiently hydrated. Drink more warm water to adequately rehydrate the body. If you sufficiently rehydrate your body, the functions of your lymphatic system will be enhanced to boost up your immunity system.”
Relax and try to get into a meditative zone
If you have any stress, try to meditate and undertake relaxing activities. Dr. Dissanayake tells us that the idea is for you to have a “pure conduct (monk-like) lifestyle” during this period.
Your ayurvedic meal plan
In general, your ayurvedic detoxification diet should consist of cleansing food, detoxifying herbs and lots of water.
When preparing for an ayurvedic cleanse, Dissanayake advises, “the diet should be adjusted to simple, warm and clean foods.”
Dissanayake suggests avoiding “meat, processed, packaged or manufactured food, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.”
Instead, Dissanayake would rather you “incorporate green leafy vegetables and more monotonous food with complete nutrients (such as Kitchari).”
Importantly, you “should drink adequate quantities of warm water to regulate lymph flow and lubricate the gut for proper digestion,” says Dissanayake.
What to expect after your ayurvedic cleanse?
After completing your cleanse, you may feel a sense of rejuvenation and calm to the mind and nervous system as the process helps you recover your natural state of balance.
Symptoms of detoxing too fast
In general, some of the below can be symptoms that you have detoxed too fast:
Headache
Nausea
Low mood/tearfulness
Fatigue
Irritability
Mild insomnia
Thirst
Frequent urination and bowel motions
Aching muscles
How to handle a headache from detox
Dissanayake tells us that a headache from detox is usually “a sign that the body is having changes within it” and reassures us that “usually these effects are self-limiting and do not need any intervention or medicine.”
You may also be wondering if detoxing can make you sick. Dissanayake says that “a headache following cleansing will naturally be reduced after 2-3 days” but if the headache becomes unbearable, you should contact your registered ayurvedic doctor and “a symptomatic pain relieving medicine will be given made of natural herbs.”
In the meantime, Dissanayake provides some tips on dealing with headaches.
Hydration helps with headaches
“Hydrating the body with adequate water intake supports to eliminate impurities from the body efficiently.”
Ensure you have bowel movements
“A cleansing triggers 1-3 times of bowel movements per day. But if the patient is not getting adequate bowel movements, the ayurvedic physician will give laxatives to support this.”
Precautions
There are important precautions you can take before your cleanse and Dissanayake explains further.
“Patients should avoid doing strenuous physical exercises, sleeping in the day, working late nights and eating heavy foods before a detox. The patient should consult a physician before commencing a detox to avoid any complications following the detox.”
Who should avoid an ayurvedic cleanse?
Generally, “adults between 18 and 70 years can undergo cleansing treatments,” says Dissanayake.
However, Dissanayake warns that detox should be avoided “during pregnancy, by lactating mothers, those with acute infections, patients with high blood pressure, patients with severe heart disease, during your periods, patients who are aggravated emotionally and patients who have severely wasted muscles, body fluids (blood, lymph, bone marrow etc.), physical and mental strength.”
