Detoxification: How Often Should You Detox?

Bodily toxins - The concept of Trimala 

You have heard of the three bioenergies or doshas; Vata, Pitta and Kapha. But, have you ever heard of “Trimala” or the main three toxins of the body?

Let's see what this new term is.

Ayurveda scholars have explained the importance of three Malas along with the description of how the body is supported anatomically and physiologically by the three doshas(bioenergies), seven dhatus(body tissues) and three malas (waste products /toxins).

The three major excreta of the body are the waste products of metabolism. 

They are:

• Pureesha - stools
• Mutra - urine
• Sweda - sweat

According to Ayurveda, regularly eliminating these three waste substances is crucial for maintaining good health.

These three are formed daily and keep the body healthy and fit by getting excreted out of the body at the proper time and in the correct quantity. If they remain in the body, they will cause many diseases. When the trimala does not get eliminated effectively from the body, it can accumulate toxins and imbalances, which may contribute to various health issues.

Why Should Women Detox?

Detoxification offers women a pathway to rejuvenation, balance, and renewed vitality. By understanding the specific needs of their bodies and adopting tailored detox practices, women can unlock a multitude of benefits, both physically and emotionally.

Ayurveda and Detoxification 

There was always a reason for collecting metabolic toxins in the body, termed "Aama" by Ayurveda scholars.

Aama can overpower the normal functioning of dosha, blocking nutrient absorption pathways.

Did you know, If ama gets collected in the body, your body starts showing symptoms? Well, it's a sign that your body needs detoxification!

Symptoms of excessive aggravation of Doshas (Bahudosha) are:

• Indigestion
• Anorexia (loss of appetite)
• Obesity
• Anaemia
• Heaviness in the body
• Exhaustion
• Skin manifestations like pimples, urticaria 
• Lack of interest in work
• Lack of coordination in the senses
• Laziness
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Foul body odour
• Lassitude
• Sleeplessness or excessive sleep
• Drowsiness
• Weak sense organs
• Lack of mental clarity
• Disturbed sleep
• Loss of strength and complexion even after intake of nutritious food.

These are some of the conditions which give you evidence that you need detoxifying. 

Your Ayurveda expert can decide the degree of detox method you can undergo according to the strength of your toxins.

Ayurvedic Detox - One for All or More?

Ayurvedic scholars call this therapy of eliminating toxins from the body 'Reduction treatment'. Reduction is termed 'Langhana' in Ayurveda.

Langhana therapy, derived from Ayurveda, encompasses therapeutic fasting, intentional hunger, or deliberate reduction of body components. It is one of the fundamental treatment protocols in Ayurveda, aimed at restoring balance by reducing or depleting abnormally increased elements in the body. 

This approach is instrumental in addressing the accumulation of doshas, waste products, dosha-related ailments accompanied by Aama, and digestive issues.

Langhana therapy can be implemented with or without medication, making it a versatile option for various conditions. It has gained popularity as an effective strategy for managing diseases caused by overnutrition. 

Ayurveda uses two levels of Ayurvedic detoxification or Langhana.

Light Detox Methods

Light detoxification or gentle body cleanse is usually done in the Ayurvedic way by 'Aama pachana', which means 'digestion of the collected toxins'.

Several medications and lifestyle modifications are adapted to achieve light detoxification of the body. 

These methods concentrate on improving the metabolic fire to prevent further collection of toxins. 

These therapies are;

• Carminatives (Pachana) and Appetizers (Dipana): These are substances or herbs that aid in digestion and help to alleviate gas and bloating.
• Withstanding hunger (Kshut) and therapeutic fasting: This involves controlled restriction of food intake for a specific period of time to promote detoxification and rejuvenation of the body.
• Withstanding thirst (Trit) and restricted liquid intake: This practice involves limiting the intake of water or other liquids for therapeutic purposes.
• Exercise and physical activities (Vyayama): Engaging in regular physical activities helps to improve circulation, strengthen the body, and enhance overall well-being.
• Exposure to sunlight (Atapa): Spending time in sunlight provides essential vitamin D and promotes a sense of well-being.
• Exposure to wind and breathing exercises (Maruta): This involves practices that focus on deep breathing and exposure to fresh air, which can rejuvenate the body.

Deep detox with therapies 

This includes following procedures which are applied in patients having good strength (bala) and more severe conditions.

1. Enema with decoction (niruha basti)

2. Therapeutic emesis (vamana)

3. Therapeutic purgation (virechana)

4. Intranasal drug administration (shirovirechana/ nasya)

5. Bloodletting (raktamokshana)

This is what we all know as the famous 'Panchakarma' - the cleansing method in Ayurveda.

What are the Chances That You Would Need Detox?

Your lifestyle and food habits can cause an accumulation of bodily toxins or metabolic toxins in your body. 

Following are some of the causes accumulation of metabolic toxins over time;

• Excessive consumption;
• Unctuous food
• Sweets
• Heavy to digest and slimy food
• Freshly harvested grains(especially rice)
• Fresh wine
• The flesh of animals living in marshy areas or born in water
• Milk and its products
• Sugary foods.
• Those who indulge in a sedentary, inactive lifestyle and sleep during the day 

In these situations, you are prone to be affected by conditions related to overnutrition, which paves the way to forming Aama.

Detox Naturally Without Medicines

The human body possesses a remarkable innate ability to eliminate toxins, relying on the coordinated efforts of organs such as the liver, kidneys, digestive system, skin, and lungs.

These lifestyle choices contribute to the overall well-being of your organs involved in detoxification, allowing them to perform their functions more efficiently. 

Detox focuses on creating an equilibrium in your body functions.

While the human body has natural detoxification mechanisms, several ways exist to support and enhance this process.

Here are ten ways to detox 

• Increase your fibre intake: Include fibre-rich foods like brown rice, organically grown fresh fruits, and vegetables in your diet. Foods such as beets, radishes, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli, spirulina, chlorella, and seaweed are excellent choices for their detoxifying properties.
• Support your liver: Take herbal supplements such as dandelion root, burdock, and milk thistle, known for their liver-cleansing properties. Additionally, drinking green tea can contribute to liver health.
• Boost glutathione production: Vitamin C aids in producing glutathione, a liver compound that helps eliminate toxins. Include vitamin C-rich foods or consider supplementation.
• Stay hydrated: Drink at least two quarts of water daily to support the elimination of toxins. Consider using a reusable water bottle to make it easier to track your water intake throughout the day.
• Practice deep breathing: Deep breathing allows for better oxygen circulation in your system, promoting overall wellness.
• Manage stress: Emphasize positive emotions and find healthy ways to transform stress. Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, or hobbies can be beneficial.
• Try hydrotherapy: Alternate between hot and cold water during a shower, as this can stimulate blood flow and promote detoxification. Follow the hot and cold cycles three times, then rest for 30 minutes.
• Induce perspiration: Sweat in a sauna to help eliminate waste through your skin via sweat.
• Consider skin brushing or foot baths: Dry-brush your skin or try detox foot spas/foot baths to support toxin removal through the pores of your skin. 
• Exercise: Exercise takes centre stage as a crucial component of detoxification. Engaging in yoga and jump-roping for at least one hour daily can have profound detoxifying effects. Yoga primarily engages your body in unique practices that help in detoxification.

How Often Should You Detox?

This is a question that needs to get answered.

Determining the ideal frequency for detoxing is a highly individualized matter, as it depends on various factors unique to each person. 

One crucial aspect to consider is individuals' toxic load, which can vary based on their environment, diet, grooming habits, and overall lifestyle choices.

Toxins are omnipresent in our daily lives, permeating substances as diverse as clothing, shampoo, fertilizers, and even car emissions. Consequently, your exposure to toxins in your day-to-day routine significantly impacts the level of toxins your body accumulates, influencing the frequency at which you may need to detox.

Ayurveda scholars advise deep detoxification therapies during the juncture of changing seasons.

It's advised as follows;

• Emesis - Spring
• Purgation - Autumn
• Purificatory enema - Rainy
• Blood purification - Autumn
• Nasal instillation - Any season except heavy rain and heavy summer.

The detoxification time also changes according to the severity of accumulated doshas.

Traditionally, weekly one day of detoxification fasting is advised by medical experts. This helps you flush off the accumulated toxins time and again.

You can adopt Ayurvedic methods of light detox during the one-day break.

Quick points you must know!

• "Detoxing" can mean many things, from fasting to eliminating extra pollutants and toxins.
• Your body detoxes itself; sometimes, it just needs a push.
• Breathing is a form of detoxing.
• When you don't "eat clean," that doesn't mean you must purify yourself. Just mind that your digestive fire is good to go.
• Unrealistic detox diets don't work.
• What does work: veggies!
• Add water.
• Watch out for environmental toxins.
• Worried? Add vitamins. 

Practise Detox Safely

It is essential to approach detox regimens cautiously, as some practices can harm your health. 

Excessive consumption of juices or teas, commonly seen in specific detox programs, can disrupt electrolyte balance and potentially harm the kidneys, according to Dr Naveen, Nirva Health.

Detox regimens that rely heavily on laxatives can lead to severe diarrhoea, dehydration, and other medical complications.

Dear women, don't be a fan of dieting. Over-restrictive diets associated with detoxing may result in nutrient deficiencies. This mainly concerns individuals with pre-existing medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, as certain detox routines may worsen their underlying health issues.

Instead of forcefully pushing the body through extreme detoxes, supporting the body's natural processes is more advisable. Forcing the body into drastic measures can do more harm than good. It is essential to listen to your body and choose detox practices that are gentle, balanced, and sustainable for your individual needs.

Remember, the key is to promote wellness by nurturing and supporting your body's natural detoxification abilities rather than subjecting it to potentially harmful extremes.