Spring Detox How-to’s

In traditional Indian culture, there are customary detox periods during the Spring and Fall. These are called Navaratri, nine-day Indian practices involving Sattvic fasting to purify the body and mind during seasonal transitions. The details of Sattvic fasting and Navaratri-how to’s are best left to Ayurvedic professionals, such as The Wild Temple (see guided Navaratri cleanses here). However, we can see from this traditional practice that the Spring season is considered an important time for detox.

If you’re not able (or willing!) to fit a 9-day Indian fast into your lifestyle, there are some simpler daily and weekly practices that can assist in detox.

Lemon water in the morning is a great way to improve hydration to assist the liver and kidneys in natural detox

Some practices that I use regularly are:

• Sauna

• Eliminate Alchohol

• Mineral Balancing

Sauna may be in obvious choice, but the type of sauna matters. Far infrared saunas are widely considered the best for detoxing, as they penetrate tissues to release toxins at a cellular level, creating a deeper, more effective sweat at lower, more comfortable temperatures. Far infrared saunas are often available at specialized boutiques, however my favorite place to use a far infrared sauna is at Hotworx (there’s one in Asheville now)!

Eliminating certain foods and beverages can be very detoxifying, but it really depends upon the person. Having a consultation with a certified Ayurvedic practitioner can help you determine what substances to eliminate to assist your body in detoxification. I highly recommend my friend Kimber! However, I believe that eliminating alcohol is the first step for many people. Alcohol is toxic, and it is also ubiquitous in our culture. Eliminating alcohol for a limited time for a Spring detox can help tremendously!

The last practice I will share about is Mineral Balancing. This is a more complex and involved method of detox, wherein heavy metals stored in the body are slowly detoxed over time (this is not chelation). It involves very specific supplements and working with a Mineral Balancing practitioner. I have worked this program for years, and can recommend a provider if any of my readers are interested in moving forward.

Just some basic ideas to get you started with Spring detox. Please feel free to leave a comment or message me on the website contact form with any questions!