I'm jumping into an "Ayurveda" cleanse, which is to say I am taking on a traditional Indian (Hindu) cleansing practice for a week. Ayurvedic practices are sister practices to yoga. I know I have a reputation for trying crazy diets and doing some weird regimens. A teacher at the yoga studio I belong to does this cleanse three times a year. I knew this was a good time for me. I think it officially starts on Monday, but I got started this morning.
The neti pot has it's roots in Ayurvedic practice and has become common place in "Western Medicine." I was prescribed one when I had sinus trouble several years ago but this week I will be using my neti pot everyday as part of my cleansing routine. I will also scrap my tongue which I found to be difficult this morning because I have a very sensitive gag reflex. The morning routine is key for oral, nasal, lymphatic cleansing daily. There is a lot of oil involved... oil in the nose, mouth and all over the body.
Ayurveda medicine claims that sickness begins (or perhaps ends?) in the digestive system. Not that I am in particular need of healing but I know that by changing my diet, I can make some major improvements-- not just lose weight. I am supposed to eat nothing from a can, box, vending machine, or drive-thru and that alone will be difficult. I am to have only fresh, cooked, warm, whole, organic foods, properly spiced, and lovingly prepared food-- simpler is best, as few ingredients as possible. The diet is heavier on grains, but no bread, very little dairy. I made a muesli type mix for breakfast with almonds and apple, rice with sunflower for lunch and quinoa with a little bit of chicken and broccoli for dinner. I have to admit that raisens and dates are my go to snack this month and keep me feeling very sane.
After my walk with Balt, I went to my favorite slow flow yoga and meditation class this morning. Monika had a soccer game so I waited until she returned and then went to Costco for fruit, more dates, milk and oj. I came home and handed off the car to Jessi who went swimming. I made dinner and cleaned the kitchen. I still need to purchase a few spices and few vegetables for the cleanse. This morning was quite leasurely, but tomorrow, I'll need to get up a bit earlier to make sure the routine continues.
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