Do you need a Fall Cleanse?
Have you ever noticed that all the body wants to do is heal? It is our minds that sabotage us and make the decision to eat the cake, drink the beer, stay up late on our phones, and then our bodies get the custodian duty to clean it all up and remove it from the premises. Of course, there are a few exceptions, autoimmune conditions and cancer to name a few, but for the most part it is our mind that succumbs to temptation, distraction, addiction or lack of preparedness. One of my teachers used to refer to this as “blasphemy of the intellect”. I still chuckle when I think of it in this way.
Purvaroopa - a sanskrit word referring to prodromal signs and symptoms. These are the very early signs your body is giving you that imbalance is occuring. These are often overlooked not only by western medicine, but simply not listening to ourselves. We need to learn to listen to the language of our body and take action in supporting ourselves.
Fall is the season dominant in Vata Dosha, made of qualities of Air & Space. This is a season of erratic, dry, dynamic, coldness & lightness. Have you noticed any of this in your body or your mind? Dry skin? Gas or burping? Waking up during the night? Busy thoughts? Ungrounded or unstable sensations? Increased anxiousness? Cold extremities?
In addition to the season, Vata Dosha can be aggravated by travel (particularly planes), moving house, lack of routine or overfilled schedules, and food & drink raw, cold and in dry nature. If you have used this should season for a vacation, or to tackle some big life changes you may find you have even more imbalance!
Here are some Purvaroopa that you may need a Fall cleanse:
Digestive Discomfort: bloating, gas, irregular bowel movements, acidity, lethargy, heaviness after meals.
Skin concerns: less glow, dryness, reactive to washing powders, topical cosmetics or skin care (if you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin!). Skin is the largest and most absorbent organ of the body, and skin health is a reflection of our internal health.
Fatigue; afternoon sugar cravings, naps, desire for more coffee (which is drying and aggravating to Vata!)
Bad Sleep: Waking regularly, rolling lots, struggling to fall asleep and struggling to get up.
Irritability: anxious, mood swings. All signs that accumulated Vata needs grounding.
Joint pain or stiffness; the cold and dryness of Vata directly aggravates bones. That is why warmth, movement and oils are so supportive to joint health.
When excess dosha accumulates in the body it begins to accumulate as Ama/Toxins. By removing this excess we work to rebalance the body and return to alignment with our unique Prakruti (personal combination of the Doshas). A well-timed cleanse can help alleviate these imbalances and you may experience improved digestive capacity, energy levels, radiant skin, better focus, reduced anxiety, deep, restful sleep, increased immune system strength.
To cleanse, start with 2-3 days of warm, cooked vegetarian food, like soups, curries, stews and kitchari. Incorporate fresh, seasonal vegetables, especially root vegetables like carrots, beets, and parsnips. Avoid raw, cold, dry, spicy, or oily foods. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of warm water and herbal teas. Check out Sewanti for authentic Ayurvedic Herbs. If you're considering a more intensive cleanse or have specific health concerns, consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalised guidance.
Cleansing is not just for the physical body. Yes, eat and drink the right things. But also set your self time for stillness, quiet, and reset. Create space in body and mind to welcome the new season and the way this season finds balance in your body.
Nicki is a Hiking Guide, Ayurvedic Pracitioner and Yoga teacher living in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia.
Her programs prioritise playfulness, community, authenticity of teachings, and a deep curiosity for self-discovery, connection with others, and exploration the awe-inspiring landscapes surrounding Whistler to craft transformative nature-immersed experiences.
