SPRING CLEANSE!
The practice of cleansing is considered a vital part of a healthy lifestyle. It provides an important means of clearing accumulated waste and toxicity from the mind and the tissues, encouraging optimal health.
"These days, a periodic cleansing regimen is more vital to our health than ever before. Our bodies are being asked to process a seemingly endless barrage of harmful inputs such as environmental toxins, processed foods, unresolved emotions, and psychological stress. Over time, these stressors can cause toxicity to build up in the system, deposit in the tissues, and compromise our health. A periodic cleanse helps to clear these accumulations from the body."1
That said, I’m embarking on an eight-day KITCHARI cleanse which will prepare me for the summer months.
The two days preceding the main cleanse, aka pre-cleanse, includes special teas, herbs, chlorophyll and clean eating.
One of the salad recipes I quite enjoy is this one:
VITALITY SALAD
- Spring mix
- Kale
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Green onion
- Carrot
- Beet
- Avocado
- Various sprouts
(optional: red & green cabbage; yellow/red/orange peppers with seeds; tomato; red onion).
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp roasted sesame oil
- 1/4 cup ACV (apple cider vinegar)
- 3 -4 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 small piece of ginger
- 1 handful of fresh herbs (I used mint and cilantro)
Ingredients are tossed together - (those of you with a sensitive digestion or Vata, carrots and beets can be steamed first).
For the dressing blend until creamy.
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Alcohol, coffee/dark tea, sugar, dairy, gluten & meat is avoided. The cleanse is beneficial for the mind, body & spirit, and involves a few self-care rituals, light exercise & yoga or tai chi, steam or sauna, as well as visualization exercises and self-inquiry questions.
Before embarking on a cleanse, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional (doctor, Ayurvedic practitioner, health coach, nutritionist, etc.), in order to assess any pre-existing conditions and the state of your body. mind and soul.
I’ll also detox from social media during my main cleanse — can’t wait!
1Banyan Botanicals