Ayurvedic medicine is one of the world’s oldest forms of holistic and whole-body healing practices. Originally developed in India over 4,000 years ago, the basis of this medicine lies in a belief that your health and well-being depend upon a very delicate balance between your mind, body, and spirit connection.  

Despite being around for such a long time, Ayurvedic practices and beliefs are increasing in popularity today and are quickly spreading across the globe.

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If the concepts are something you are not yet familiar with, don’t worry: you will soon be well informed and ready to incorporate this holistic healing into your daily life.

Introducing Ayurvedic Medicine

With this type of medicine, everyone is treated as unique, which means there is no one single diet or exercise routine that will work for everyone. The core of these practices is an aim to bring your body into a state of bliss and balance.

By doing this, the belief is that your body will be able to heal itself. Similar to yoga practices, Ayurvedic exposes the illusion and neediness of the mind, allowing it to become completely free.

This is the core element which will then bring mind, body, and spirit into connection and balance.

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According to Ayurvedic medicinal beliefs, there are five elements found in all living things: air, fire, ether, water, and earth. These elements are the building blocks for life, and they create the foundation that unites all human beings.  

These elements then combine to create the three different basic types of human constitutions or “doshas.” These doshas are the energies which make up every individual, and they are responsible for performing different physiological functions within your body.

The three dosha types are Vata (ether and air), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth).

The Vata dosha controls bodily functions associated with motion, such as circulation and breathing. When this is in balance, we feel creativity and vitality. When out of balance, you may experience fear and anxiety.

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Pitta dosha energy controls the metabolic systems in your body like digestion and absorption. In balance, you will feel intelligent and contentment, but there will be anger and a possible development of ulcers if unbalanced.  

Finally Kapha dosha energy controls growth, supplying water to your whole body. Balance creates love and forgiveness, but imbalance causes envy and insecurity.

You Say Detox, Others Say Oleation

Ayurvedic medicine follows a tradition that with each seasonal change, you need to re-balance your body in order to remain healthy. The best way to do this is through a detoxification process designed to rejuvenate.  

A traditional detoxification cleanse, referred to as a “panchakarma,” is used. This lasts for 4 days and is more widely known as “oleation.” In Sanskrit, “pancha” means five and “karma” means action, so essentially there are five actions to perform to successfully complete this oleation.

At this point, it is important to note that Ayurvedic oleation is not meant to take the place of conventional medicine, nor should you delay seeing an actual doctor. If you are having health issues, you should always seek the advice of a physician, especially if you are nursing or pregnant.

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There is no method of becoming a licensed Ayurvedic medicine practitioner in the U.S., although some states allow the licensing of Ayurvedic schools.

Action One: Drink Melted Ghee in the Morning

Ghee is a clarified butter and, as this food is processed, the impurities of the milk are removed, leaving you with pure butter fat. While this may not sound too healthy, it provides many beneficial and healing actions for your body.  

The ghee penetrates your tissues, softening and lubricating those that have become hard with age. It also forces your gallbladder to make new digestive enzymes, pulling out toxins to allow your natural fat-burning metabolism to reset.  

Make sure you do not eat or drink anything for thirty minutes after drinking the ghee. If you experience nausea, sip on some ginger tea.

Action Two: Follow a Mono-Diet of Kitchari

Kitchari is a traditional mung bean and rice porridge which delivers a very essential nourishing effect to your body. During this cleanse or oleation, you need to eat kitchari for each meal, which will allow your digestive system to rest.

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Kitchari will keep you nourished and keep blood sugar levels stable.  Of course, you should discuss any dietary restrictions like this with your physician before starting.

Do not add any oils to the kitchari or fatty foods, such as avocado. The ghee you drink in the morning is meant to provide all the fat that you need for the day.  

Be sure to eat enough kitchari at each meal, so that you do not feel the need to snack between meals.  

Action Three: Herbal Supplements and Tulsi Tea

Taking the following herbs daily can enhance the effect of your oleation:

♦ Turmeric formula: Two capsules, which may reduce inflammation, to be taken with meals.

♦ Liver Kidney formula: One capsule to be taken between meals.

♦ Amalaki or Trikatu: One capsule taken before meals. If you have sluggish digestion, use Trikatu. If you have agitated digestion, use Amalaki.

♦ Tulsi/Holy Basil Tea: Drink one or two cups daily, brewing for a shorter time if you want a less bitter taste.

Since these herbs are not regulated like pharmaceuticals, be careful of what you purchase. You should only buy from well-established outlets.

At least one study has shown that an alarming percentage of Ayurvedic treatment products may contain toxic ingredients, like lead and arsenic.

Action Four: Dry Brushing or Garshana

The very simple action of dry brushing is believed by practitioners to have a most profound effect on detoxing your body.

With a dry skin brush, gently brush your skin in circular motions that lead towards the heart. Then work in longer strokes, which are thought to help stimulate the lymphatic system, enhance circulation, and encourage the release of toxins.

Action Five: Self-Massage or Bath With Oil

Once you have completed the dry brushing, relax in a hot bath for 20 to 30 minutes. Ideally you want the water to be as hot as you can handle.  

If you want, you can add Epsom salts for added benefits. This bath will help to de-stress the body and allow it to recharge.

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Follow your bath with a gentle self-massage using organic coconut or sesame oil. You can also mix in a few drops of essential oil, such as Holy Basil, Myrrh or Sandalwood.  

Once the four-day cleanse is complete, you need to flush your digestive system:

♦ For those with sensitive stomachs you want to drink a warm cup of prune juice after the last bath.  

♦ For normal digestion mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice into warm water.  

♦ If you are regularly constipated, then double the Epsom salts, olive oil and lemon juice.  

Do not jump right back into your old routine and diet after this cleanse. You will be better off starting off with a gentle plant-based and whole-food diet for a few days to ease your body back into reality.  

The Bottom Line

For the best results and a more connected and balanced feeling through the season, consider continuing the dry-brushing routine to keep that healthy glow. An occasional detox bath can also help cure those stressful days.  

With Ayurvedic practices like oleation, your mind, body, and spirit can feel balanced and your well-being has a chance to feel whole. Simply trying a detox can be a novel way to improve your ability to install and maintain a routine.

Once you finish your detox, why not use the moment to start a healthy diet and exercise routine?

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