What is Detox?

Detoxification includes resting, cleansing and nourishing the body inside-out. It includes removing and eliminating toxins from the body and then feeding it with healthy nutrients. It helps you to protect from diseases and renew your ability to maintain optimum health through a range of methods including Panchakarma, Diet, Yoga and Meditation.

Who needs detox?

Anyone who has a busy lifestyle, eating unhealthy foods and drinks, no time to exercise, consuming oily, fried foods, alcohol, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle.

Lots of people all over the world are interested in detox and the topic is getting plenty of attention. But the concept has a long tradition behind it.

According to Ayurveda, impaired Agni (Digestive strength) results in an accumulation of undigested metabolic intermediate products (Ama). It acts as a toxin in the body and  inhibits the free transportation of substances through the body’s natural pathways because of its sticky properties and facilitates the development of illness. A healthy organism is capable of eliminating/excreting accumulated Ama with the help of a well-functioning digestive system. A weakened organism encourages the development of Ama, thus facilitating the occurrence of various medical conditions.

Benefits of Travancore Ayurveda Detox Retreat.

• Detox therapy takes the strain off our body like a good spring-clean, allowing a return to health and restoring inner strength.
• The aim of our Ayurvedic detox treatment is always to restore equilibrium to the Doshas, to improve Agni and to eliminate Ama. This is achieved by using the most effective method for restoring dynamic balance: Panchakarma therapy.
• The goal of Panchakarma is not to remove physical toxins alone, but truly restore the mind-body system back to a healthy state of balance on all levels – including the mind and emotions.
• Ayurvedic detox helps to
  • Restore a sense of calm to the mind and the nervous system.
  • Nurture an improved sense of energy, vitality, and enthusiasm for life.
  • Support the maintenance of a healthy body weight.
  • Restore and maintain balanced sleep cycles.
  • Promote regular and balanced elimination.
  • Prepare the tissues for deep nourishment and rejuvenation.
  • Promote optimal health.

Detox in Ayurveda

The Ayurvedic detox is a well-established blend of procedures based on various Panchakarma therapies and ayurvedic medicines to restore balance to your health.

Ayurveda states that there are five elements called Panchamahabhuta — Vayu (air), Prithvi (earth), Teja (fire), Aakash (space), and Jala (water). The above five elements makes various combinations namely Tridoshas- Vata, Pita, Kapha, which are responsible for different physiological functions of the body.

We are supposed to keep up the balance between the three doshas and the five elements failing which diseases starts to appear.

Illness such as constipation, diarrhea, arthtritis, asthma, skin related issues, urinary tract infections occur due to the imbalance of waste products – mutra (urine), purisha (feces), and sweda (sweat). Based on genetics and personality traits, each person will have their own unique balance of doshas and hence the health outcome may vary as well. That is why it is important to take the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner who can determine your dosha and related detox plans and treatment patterns.

Many Ayurvedic practitioners advise seasonal detox to get rid of the body toxins, or Ama that may have accumulated during the previous season. Many of us have various seasonal food habits and other lifestyle activities such as celebrations, festivities based on seasons. It is quite natural that we may accumulate toxins from previous season and hence a seasonal detox in the beginning of the next season is advisable.

We should select a broader dietary and lifestyle changes to achieve a balanced dosha.

Ayurvedic detox plans may vary from 3 days, 5 days, 7 days and so on depends on each person’s level of imbalance and also depends on the Detox plans we choose based on the advice of Ayurvedic Practitioner.

At Travancore Ayurveda, it is an Ayurvedic Detox Retreat and our Doctors are well experienced to provide a comprehensive consultation and counselling on Detox procedures and to advise an appropriate Detox process customised to the needs of the persons depending on their level of imbalance of doshas.

Detox –Combination of Purvakarma and Panchakarma procedures

Purvakarma ( Purva means foremost and karma means action) is the first set of processes practised ahead of a Panchakarma therapy.  The duration of Purva karma is typically last for three to seven days .

Purvakarma helps to channelize and collect the toxins to bowels and surface of skins to remove at Pradhanakarma stage. Key techniques of Purvakarma such as  Pachana ( digestion), snehana ( oelation) and swedana ( sudation) prepare the body for detoxification and revitalisation.

 Purvakarma is a combination of external procedures, which stimulate the areas where toxins and waste products accumulate and beautify the body. This helps the body to be prepared for internal purification procedures.

 PANCHAKARMA is for internal purification of the body and is used  to get  rid of the body  toxins, free radicals and heavy metals through a combination of purgative and laxative therapies.

Pancha means “five” and karma means “activity” or “process”.

This consists of five karmas (treatments).

1. Virechan : cleansing using powders, pastes, or heated medicinal plants.
2. Vaman : forced vomiting or purging by herbal medicinal treatment.
3. Basti : Its nothing but medicated enemas using warm medicated oils or decoctions or milk.
4. Rakta mokshana : detoxification of the blood, also known as bloodletting.
5. Nasya : nasal clearance using herbal remedies, oils, and fumes.

Treatments may vary and you may receive one or more treatments depending on your dosha.

The ultimate benefit of Purvakarma and Panchakarma is to have a rejuvenated body which starts to function in the natural rhythm as it supposed to.

Dietary guidelines for detox:  

Most important beverage during Detox  is “Water” , in addition to that we can have Ginger tea , which has stomach soothing properties.

It is also recommended to follow same time for eating each day , eat to satisfy your basic hunger needs -not full ,  limit distractions while eating and practise  pleasant conversations with others.

Role of Meditation and mindful consumption of food in Detox process:

Meditation plays a key role in detoxication process. The breathing techniques of meditation disconnect us from daily distractions , lowers anxiety and stress levels and thus promotes self-awareness.

Mindful eating helps you consume less calories by making you more aware of hunger needs and to be conscious of every bit of food intake. In brief, helping us not to overeat.

Why need detox treatments?

The body is equipped with its very own ‘liver’, that is your natural detoxifier. Then why need an elaborate detox plan?

1) Flushing out or removing the body toxins : To remove the accumulated build up of all the chemicals we eat , in other words , the body toxins. . An extra effort of Detox helps to  flush out the accumulated chemicals. For example, food colour, …….its every where from the brown chocolate to bright candy, ice cream, masala, drinks, curries, etc.

Pesticides on our food is another alarming issue and other chemical processing on the store bought food and bakery products.

2) The body needs to metabolise the fat soluble vitamins: Due to unhealthy fat build up,  Vitamin D levels are always low, inspite of all the sun light. The answer is, the body needs to metabolize the fat soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K) for a healthy functioning systems and bad fats prevent that. Ayurvedic treatment for fatty liver ensures healthy fat metabolism . This Detox treatment ensures that you have no abnormal cholesterol, no blood pressure problems, hormones perfectly working, good reproductive and heart health, good bones and eyesight.

To speed up sluggish metabolism we at Travancore Ayurveda  have ayurvedic treatments.

3) Rejuvenating the mind, body and thus the soul.

Detox helps you feel good by calming down the mind, freshens up your thoughts  and generate positive vibes and thus improves your sense of well being and mental health.  At Travancore Ayurveda, we have the best environment for an  “Ayurvedic Detox Retreat”.

4) To make internal medicines more effective. Sometime the disease is highly progressed thus limiting the effect of internal medicines, Shodhana karma, i.e. Detoxification helps increase the effect of these medicines.

5) Seasonal build up of doshas is a natural phenomenon. Body is not singular, its a result of everything that we experience including the effect of climate, movements of sun and moon, much like the tides in the sea. Ever wondered what effect does sitting in an air conditioned room have? Well, experience our Ayurveda detox retreat at Travancore Ayurveda and see for yourself the difference it brings to your well being.

6) Strengthens immunity, imparts mental resilience. With lesser inner work load on the liver after a detox, the body is well equipped to face other outer challenges.

7) Improves self-esteem, with clearer skin, good digestion, healthy weight and happy mind are just a few things it promises.

8) Helps one deal with substance abuse and the cancerous build up of drugs like nicotine are flushed out, making you less dependent metabolically on them.

Travancore Ayurveda is authentic and well equipped with a team of experienced ayurvedic doctors, well trained therapists and supporting staff within a state of art therapy centre that will ensure a truly soulful experience, a true “Ayurvedic Detox Retreat”

At Travancore Ayurveda, our Ayurvedic Detox Retreat heals you physically , mentally and emotionally, we also detoxify your thoughts and helps you think clearly.