Looking at it from an Ayurvedic perspective
DOCTOR Tamlyn Govender is an Ayurvedic practitioner registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa to practice Ayurveda in the country.
In this Q&A with the she tackles questions around detoxing the natural way.
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Q: Why is it important to detox or cleanse the body?
A: The human body is constantly exposed to toxins. In Ayurveda we don’t only consider the accumulation of toxins as a simple feat but rather a physical, environmental, and mental toxic build-up. Signs that physical toxins have accumulated in the body include a heavy white coating (ama) on the tongue, low energy, foul body, breath and stool odour, indigestion and excessive flatulence, body aches, brain fog and sleepiness after eating.
Mental toxins can be attributed to signs of anxiety, depression and stress, through toxic over-stimulation of media, etc. Environmental toxins are found in pesticides, pollution, foods contaminated with chemical fertilisers, etc. These toxins can adversely affect your health resulting in lowered immunity and chronic health conditions.
For deep-seated chronic conditions Ayurvedic doctors prescribe Panchakarma therapy to help rid the body of impurities which have accumulated because of disease.
Panchakarma is one of the most outstanding Ayurvedic tools used to restore balance to the body. It is conducted with the use of herbal oils, body treatments (including oil massage), steam therapy, herbal paste therapy, nasal therapy, vomiting therapies, enema therapy, and purgation therapies.
Panchakarma is designed to allow the body to rid itself of wastes that have accumulated and have become lodged in the body, creating blockages in the intelligent flow of the various systems, including the circulatory, nervous, and digestive systems.
Once this cleansing process is complete, the body can resume its natural functioning without interference.
Q: What are the health benefits of this?
A: It helps with weight loss, and rebuilding one’s digestive health. It improves vitality, energy, and enthusiasm. It also relaxes the mind and body completely. Proper sleep patterns will be restored. It helps to reduce the oxidative stress in the body, restores a natural state of balance to the body, mind, and spirit, and it promotes immunity and optimal health.
Q: Why is it a good idea to detox at the
beginning of the year?
A: Ayurveda recommends that one not only undergo detoxification at the end or beginning of the year but whenever there are seasonal changes or signs of sluggish digestion.
It is, however, recommended that due to the festive period, people indulge in unhealthy foods, and alcohol and smoking increases and they have irregular sleeping patterns during this time. Therefore, to start off the year feeling healthy and strong, we do recommend a detox.
Q: Now that we are navigating Covid-19, what is the benefit of detox to the immune system?
A: The process of detoxing can boost the immune system and reduce the chances of recurrent infection in the body. When the body has lower overall strength (bala), naturally the immunity will be lower. Therefore, following a healthy daily regimen and balanced diet contributes to enhanced immunity.
Ayurveda has depicted various rules and regimens regarding diet and behaviour to adapt to seasonal changes easily so that the strength and immunity remains at its peak.
Q: What are the foods we should incorporate into our diets?
A: The first thing to try and incorporate into every household is the consumption of organic fruit and vegetables, and meals that are freshly prepared. Try to have more vegetarian meals as they are lighter for digestion. Freshly made soups, with vegetables and/or lentils are good for you, as they will enhance your metabolism. Include spices like coriander, ginger, turmeric, fennel, and fenugreek. They help facilitate the removal of toxins.
Cooked leafy green vegetables, barley and brown rice are also good.
◆ Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before taking anything recommended on this page.