There are a million ways to “detox” these days including colonics and specific detox diets as well as many beneficial claims by participants. When we speak of toxins, we do not always mean poisons or microorganisms that cause disease when present in the body. We are talking about ama that translates to unripe or undigested. Ama occurs as a result of faulty digestion that can relocate in the organs and channels of the body. Detoxifying the body may be as simple as improving digestion.

The liver has multiple functions including removing toxins from the body. Keeping the liver cool and healthy is key. Simple ways to keep the liver cool and healthy are bitter greens, such as endive, dandelion greens, arugula and of course kale. Green juices are effective too.

A natural detoxification process takes place between 10pm and 2am. When our body is sleeping the liver is going to work. Just going to bed earlier and eating our last meal earlier allows the liver to process toxins.

Ayurveda offers lots of ways to detox, naturally and more aggressively. Panchakarma is a series of five actions for cleansing and rejuvenating the body, mind and consciousness. It can be done in a spa like setting.

Detoxifying the body can have many beneficial effects on overall health and self-healing. The up coming change in season is a great time to consider what Ayurveda has to offer!