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An Introduction to Kitchari and Cleansing: A 1 Day Simple Cleanse

// You have probably noticed information going around about my 7 Day cleanse course, An Ayurvedic Cleanse. I am getting great feedback from my first round of participants, who have already experienced changes in their well-being. Changes in their body after just 7 days of changing their diet utilizing Ayurvedic digestion principles! This stuff never ceases to amaze me, that’s why I love sharing it.

Even though in reality, a week can just fly by, it can be daunting for those new to Ayurveda to feel confident about diving into a 7 Day cleanse.  So I have created an introduction to kitchari and cleansing, for those who really want to start cleansing, but need baby steps.

BookCoverShotKitch copyAnd believe me, there is nothing wrong with baby steps.  When I first tried to cleanse with kitchari, I couldn’t make it three days.  Then the next season, I tried again and made it to 5, and now seasonally, I regularly do a 7+ day cleanse, depending on what I need.  Changing our habits is one of the hardest things to do.  I had not realized how attached I was so food, to tastes, to ingredients!  Though this is a nourishing meal, I felt like I was depriving myself – but of what?  These types of questions allowed me to go deeper into my relationship with nourishment and satisfaction as well.  Allowed me to start thinking deeper about spirituality.

Also in this beautiful PDF guide, I present questions and possible journal topics for you to muse upon.  When we get to take time to reflect we transfer our experiences through the intellectual body, into memory and awareness.

This 10 page guide includes:

  • When and why to eat kitchari
  • A 1 Day cleanse outline
  • Information of the idea of fasting and good digestion according to Ayurvedic principles
  • Tips for Optimal Digestion
  • An introduction to dinacharya
  • 3 Kitchari recipes – how to tailor it to the seasons
  • Topics to reflect on after your cleansing day

Download now for just $12 so you can start simple and try a 1 Day cleanse to get a taste of the 7 Day Program.

Love, Adena

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How to use a Neti Pot

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uciiCOuIMbE&w=500&h=350]

  • Neti is excellent for kapha season – late Winter and early Spring – to help clear mucus and accumulation on the sinuses.
  • A neti pot can be used daily, or simply as needed to cleanse the sinuses and nasal passageways.  DO NOT use a neti pot if you have an active sinus infection, as it can spread.
  • While pouring the water, your mouth should be slightly open, as this is how you will breathe.  It is common when learning to have some water come back and down the throat. Lean forward a bit more, and it will come out the nostrils.  Likewise, you can actually lean too far forward, and the water will not pour out. It takes some trial and error, but you can do it!
  • Only blow very gently out the nostrils after use to clear any mucus or debris. If you blow too hard, you can send water into the ear canals. Be gentle.
  • A neti can be drying for some people – if you find you are having sinus headaches after use, you may better benefit from using nasya oil either afterwards, or in place of your neti pot.
  • If you would like to buy a neti pot, nasya oil, or a tongue scraper, you can do so with these links.
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Sweet and Spicy Tea Recipe and Digestion Tips

Some rights reserved by stevendepolo
Some rights reserved by stevendepolo

Today is one of those transition days – where early winter becomes deep winter, Vata season transitions to Kapha season.  We still need to focus on warm food and drink, but the emphasis moves from heavy, towards spicier, lighter foods.  These foods help keep stagnation – or clear it – from settling into the lungs, and lethargy from taking hold.  I love this simple, spicy tea recipe, so wanted to share it with you.

Spicy and Sweet Tea

3 small cinnamon sticks, or 1 tsp powder

1 T licorice root

2 c water

Place water and cinnamon and licorice root in a small pot.  Simmer for 5 or 10 minutes over low-medium heat.  Strain and pour into a mug.  No need to add sweetener!  Helps to curb sweet cravings, especially helpful before bed.

Tips for Optimal Digestion:

It doesn’t matter how well you eat, if you’re not digesting it well!

1. Eat only when you are hungry.  If you are not hungry, it may be recommended to fast until true hunger returns.

2. Eat three meals per day, with emphasis on lunch being the largest.  As a general rule, avoid snacking unless you are experiencing true hunger between meals, not cravings.

3. Always eat fresh fruit on its own.

4. Sit down to eat, with full attention on your food.  Eat slowly, and chew well.  Light, pleasant conversation is ok, but do not eat when you are sad, mad or upset, and do not eat in front of your computer, or while driving.

5. Sip warm water or ginger tea while you eat your meal, but avoid large amounts of water directly before or after eating.  Also avoid iced water at all times.

Learn more tips like these, and put them into practice in my 7 Day Ayurvedic Cleanse Course – registration is open!

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: 7 Day Ayurvedic Cleanse Course Opens

It’s time to  take charge of your well-being.

You’re Invited to this 7-Day Online Ayurvedic Cleanse

So what is an Ayurvedic Cleanse? The aims of this cleanse involve removing toxins from the tissues, improving your metabolism, and increasing your peacefulness and clarity while you rest and reflect on habits and patterns.  An Ayurvedic cleanse is clarifying but also nourishing, because it is NOT a fast.

A cleanse is a time to reset your intentions as well as burn up or remove ama (toxins.) A cleanse can greatly benefit those suffering from seasonal allergies, fatigue, mental cloudiness, seasonal depression, menstrual difficulties, or skin issues.

Register for this online course now, and begin your cleanse when the time is right for you…Classroom opens January 10, 2014

What you will receive in this online course:

  • Video instruction for how to prepare for your cleanse, including shopping lists
  • Day-to-day instructions, including daily routine schedule
  • Recipes for kitchari and herbal teas, as well as whole food recipes for reintegration
  • Video instruction for relaxing meditation, gentle yoga, and breathing practices (pranayama)
  • Instruction for self-massage and a video on how to use a neti pot (optional, but something you may have always wanted to try!)
  • Discussion/journal topics and the support of the group – past and present members.
  • All of this in a stylish, online classroom area with long-term access.