Spring Cleanse

The arrival of spring is the perfect opportunity to begin a yoga cleansing diet to rejuvenate your body, detoxify your digestive system, support weight management and promote good health. For several days try eating only pure (sattvic) foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables (juiced or cooked), beans, brown basmati rice and herbs. Enjoy fresh, spring fruits such as juicy, red strawberries, tender blueberries and sweet cherries. Include spring vegetables that are rich in healing antioxidants like crunchy baby carrots, artichokes and asparagus. Also eat detoxifying greens such as broccoli rabe, radicchio, escarole, endive, and dandelion. To help stimulate your digestive fire (agni) and eliminate toxic waste (ama), drink green or black tea made with stimulating spices such as cinnamon and ginger.

Rishi's Panchakarma

Over the millennia, the rishis (the ancient yoga masters) performed detoxification practices called panchakarma for cleansing and renewal during the change of seasons. Their panchakarma consisted of a cleansing diet and body treatments to detoxify, balance, and revitalize the body and soul. This was typically done during the spring and fall equinoxes and the summer and winter solstices. Seasonal cleansing provided the rishis with an opportunity to practice self-discipline (niyama) and to deepen their meditation and spirituality. They believed that eating a yoga cleansing diet of sattvic foods increased the prana (life-force) energy and purified the body and mind. Panchakarma helped bring heightened awareness and enlightenment.

Daily Cleanse

Re-energize yourself like the great rishis year round by incorporating healthy aspects of the cleansing diet into your daily life. You can do this by eating pure, sattvic foods such as whole unrefined grains (like brown rice, barley, and oats), beans (such as mung beans and lentils), and seasonally fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Try to avoid heavy, fried or oily foods, red meat, full-fat dairy products, refined sugar, and pre-packaged, refined foods such as white flour pasta, breads, and sweets.

Sources
Gavalas, Elaine. Yogi in the Kitchen. Penguin Putnam Avery. elainegavalas.com .