Ayurveda is an ancient system of holistic medicine that teaches us how to live in harmony with nature and our own unique constitution. According to Ayurveda, spring is the best time to cleanse, as it is the season of kapha dosha, the principle of water and earth that governs stability, structure, and fluidity. When kapha is in excess, it can cause sluggishness, congestion, weight gain, and dullness in our body and mind. A spring cleanse helps to remove the accumulated toxins, or ama, that impair our digestion, immunity, and vitality.

A 3 week Ayurvedic Spring Cleanse consists of three phases: a pre-cleanse, a main cleanse, and a post-cleanse. During the pre-cleanse, you will gradually prepare your body and mind for the cleanse by reducing or eliminating processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, and media exposure, and increasing your intake of fresh, seasonal, and easy-to-digest foods, such as kitchari, a nourishing dish of rice and mung beans. You will also practice some simple yoga, breathing, and meditation techniques to relax your nervous system and calm your mind.

During the main cleanse, you will follow a mono-diet of kitchari for 7 days, depending on your level of comfort and experience. Kitchari is a complete and balanced meal that provides all the essential nutrients, while being very gentle on your digestive system. It also has a cleansing and scraping effect on your intestines, helping to eliminate the toxins and waste products. You will also drink plenty of warm water and herbal teas to flush out the impurities and hydrate your cells. You will also continue with your yoga, breathing, and meditation practices, as well as some self-care rituals, such as oil massage, dry brushing, and nasal cleansing.

During the post-cleanse, you will slowly reintroduce other foods and activities to your routine, while maintaining a healthy and mindful lifestyle. You will also take some herbal formulas to support your digestion, metabolism, and immunity, and to prevent the re-accumulation of toxins. You will also learn some tips and recommendations on how to maintain your optimal health and well-being throughout the year.

By the end of the 3 week Ayurvedic Spring Cleanse, you will feel lighter, brighter, and more energetic. You will also notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, eyes, and overall appearance. You will also experience more clarity, focus, and creativity in your mind, and more joy, peace, and happiness in your heart.

If you are ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery and transformation, please sign up for the 3-week Ayurvedic Spring Cleanse today.

Ayurvedic Spring Cleanse Program+Kit $585.

Your Cleanse Kit includes:

-All food required for the intensive week 2 diet

-A variety of teas and spices

-Lifestyle supplies

-Recipes

-A journal

-A daily e-mail that includes am/pm routines, journal prompts, breathwork, meditation, Yoga suggestions and additional Ayurvedic concepts from Kara

Other Benefits:

-10% off Shirodhara and Abhyanga Services during the duration of your cleanse

-3 Spring Detox Foot Soaks

-Unlimited access to Sauna and Hydrotherapy during the duration of your cleanse

-Private Facebook support group provided to help you along the way

-Access to Kara, your cleanse leader, a few times throughout the program, who will answer your questions, monitor your progress, and provide you with personalized advice and feedback.

What results can I expect from this cleanse?

- Increased energy/vitality

- Better Digestion

- Less Bloating

- Clearer Thinking

- Improved Weight Management

- Clearer Skin

- Shinier Hair

- Disappearance or lessening of certain inflammatory conditions: pms, digestive, joint pain, etc.

- Improved Sleep

- Renewed Sense of Self

- Reduction in Ama (A toxic or undigested metabolic waste. Umbrella term for all sticky, slimy, aggravating, and toxic substances accumulated in the body. When our body's metabolic efficiency is compromised, we create ama).

If you have questions or doubts about trying an ayurvedic spring cleanse, it is always wise to consult with your doctor before beginning. You will likely experience some ups and downs and challenges during a cleanse, but this time-tested practice of renewal can lead you toward a sense of greater wellbeing and is a wonderful way to honor the change in seasons.- Drink plenty of warm water and lemon water. If you are cold-natured, warm spicy teas, such as ginger and cinnamon tea. However, Cumin, coriander, and fennel tea has a slightly more cooling effect and can be great for those that run on the warmer side. It is acceptable to add a little honey or maple syrup to your tea or lemon water.

- Keep your schedule light. Don’t overwork yourself - especially during week 2. Take time to rest and unplug in the evenings.

- If you feel weak, fatigued, or very hungry, a snack of sunflower seeds, green juice, or vegetable broth between meals is fine. Also, you may steam the vegetables separately from the kitchari and eat with ghee or other oils. Alternatively, you can substitute a simple oatmeal for kitchari at breakfast. However, avoid dairy and refined sugar.

- Consider adding or maintaining ayurvedic daily self-care practices, (dinacharya). You don’t have to do them all but try integrating one or two of these daily practices into your routine.

- Eliminate caffeine, alcohol, and any other drugs or stimulants during the cleanse. If you must have caffeine, green tea is preferable. It is easier on your system to start the weaning down of these stimulants before the cleanse. Balance is key. Abrupt changes are difficult on our bodies.

- No technology after 6pm. No screens. (If you are using tech for meditation or music - that’s fine - just not taking in blue light).

Drink hot liquids.

Drink only warm/hot liquids during the day to aid in the burning off of kapha, starting with hot water in the morning. If you run colder, you can make ginger tea.

Add honey to your hot water.

When used properly, honey scrapes ama (toxins) from the inside of the body, according to Ayurveda. If you don’t have major Pitta or Vata imbalances or a ragweed or honey allergy, local raw honey can offer great natural allergy relief, as it delivers allergens in a small dose over time and can create natural immunity. For the most impact, get started a few months before allergy season. Add 1/2 tablespoon to warm (not hot) water in the morning between 6–10 am and drink.

Movement:

“Movement is key for cleansing. Stagnation is death,” Dr. Sabnani says (Ayuervedic doctor). “Spring is going to move you whether you like it or not. Wake up to the force of nature.” While cleansing, you can also slow your mind by slowing your body and focusing on mindful exercise with deep breathing. Your energy level may be different during different stages of the cleanse. If you don’t exercise often, try to do some form of movement AM & PM. If you exercise often, still continue AM & PM movement - but pay attention if your body needs you to exert less.

Take epsom salt baths.

Epsom salt baths activate fluid movement in the tissues and increase perspiration. The sulphur component of the salts are an excellent detoxifying agent. “This bath detoxifies your entire body, but also relaxes your muscles and is great after a hard workout or a long day!” Dr. Sabnani says.

Relax with castor oil packs.

“Castor oil packs relieve stagnation and stimulate the body’s natural cleansing process, helping it release toxins and deep-seated emotions held in the pelvis,” Dr. Sabnani says. Castor oil penetrates the skin to reduce inflammation, soften hardened tissues, and stimulate lymphatice movement. Warm castor oil packs also help you relax, soothing and loosening the tissues. Start with the abdomen (the neck is another good spot to try next to saturate the lymph nodes and aids in detoxification). Try it:

- Make a pack using wool or cotton flannel fabric of appropriate size for the body part you are using it on. Saturate the material with high-quality castor oil (dark glass bottles are best). Preheat the oil or use the pack with a heating pad or hot water bottle, unless an infection or fever is present.

- Position pack over affected area and cover with a piece of plastic like saran wrap and heating pad if desired. Use a towel to help protect bedding.

- Rest with the pack for an hour or more. Avoid falling asleep with a heating pad turned on.

- Afterward, cleanse skin with a solution of baking soda mixed with water (1 teaspoon/pint).

- Store pack in plastic bag or container in a cool dry place when not in use.

- Use pack for 2–3 consecutive days until you notice results.

Utilize KBB.

The sauna, hot tub and cold plunge are available to spring cleansers 7AM - 7PM.

Get more sleep.

Straightforward and seemingly simple, be in bed by 10 pm latest when cleansing. Give yourself a gentle foot massage before bed to ground your energy and help you sleep.

WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT FROM THIS CLEANSE?

- Increased energy/vitality

- Better Digestion

- Less Bloating

- Clearer Thinking

- Improved Weight Management

- Clearer Skin

- Shinier Hair

- Disappearance or lessening of certain inflammatory conditions: pms, digestive, joint pain, etc.

- Improved Sleep

- Renewed sense of Self

- Reduction in Ama (A toxic or undigested metabolic waste. Umbrella term for all sticky, slimy, aggravating, and toxic substances accumulated in the body. When our body's metabolic efficiency is compromised we create ama).

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS CLEANSE?

This is a 3-phase program where each phase lasts a week. An Ayurvedic spring cleanse consists primarily of eating a simple diet of kitchari—a savory porridge made of mung dal, rice, and spices. For those who have undertaken more stringent cleanses, this may sound mild and approachable. Nonetheless, the effects of a kitchari cleanse can be quite profound.

Of course, we are all unique humans and all benefits may not occur for every person every time. In addition, on a subtle level, a cleanse can be a wonderful opportunity to simplify and prioritize. This cleanse asks you to take a break from caffeine, alcohol, and other drugs and stimulants (other than necessary prescriptions). Furthermore, though you can work and perform daily duties, it is generally recommended that you do your best to reduce stress and keep a more simple schedule during a cleanse. This practice is an act of self-care and of turning inward. Please note that this is YOUR cleanse. Thesea are suggestions and it is all about balance. I want to stretch you to make some siginificant changes but it shouldn’t be awful. You know your body. Only make adaptations that are healthy for you. Please contact Kara if you have questions about how to adapt this to you.

WHICH FOODS WILL I HAVE TO AVOID?

Alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, or other stimulants. Dairy, eggs, grains (wheat, rye, barley, corn, bran, couscous and semolina), nuts, processed or refined foods, shellfish and soy.

WHY IS CORN NOT RECOMMENDED?

Corn is NOT a vegetable but a grain. Like many grains, it is a common allergen.

WILL I HAVE TO EXERCISE?

Daily exercise is essential. This will enhance weight loss and stimulate detoxifying sweat. A minimum of 30 minutes daily up to six days a week is required. Staying active is important. Continue all hobbies and focus on activities that tune your body, mind and soul like walking, cycling, Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates.

CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM IF I CANNOT START ON MARCH 20th?

Absolutely! Most of this cleanse is packaged up virtually for you to begin at anytime, just pick up your cleanse kit, we’ll send you the videos and you can get started when works for you. You can still be a part of the online community in our Facebook Discussion group, even if you miss the weekly class check-ins.

IS THERE A MEETING I NEED TO ATTEND IN PERSON?

Not for the cleanse, all the instructional videos are available online, but we do have a couple in - person pieces of this program that we highly recommend you attend:

-3/19 kick off event. Come for a healthy dinner, set your intention for this time for you, & meet your fellow detoxers. Enjoy sauna, hot tub. 6- 7:30pm

-3/27 6-7:30 Kara will provide kitchari dinner. Check in. Enjoy sauna, hot tub/cold plunge together.

-4/3 YOU DID IT! Celebration with healthy salad. What have you learned? What now?

DO I NEED TO ALREADY BE A CLIENT AT KARA’S BEAUTY BARN?

No! Spouses, friends of clients, and other family members can participate as well. The more support you have the better. You better believe that Clint is doing this with me, while I do this with you. If you need more supplies or are curious about more options - please check out Inida Mart 193 Telegraph Rd. By Burger King off the Guide. My new friend, TJ (owner) has been a wonderful support in this process and is in the process of providing Ayurvedic supports in the India Mart.

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM COST?

$585 For the program + kit which includes lifestyle products, food for the intensive mono-diet for week 2. Tea, spices and MORE!

PLUS, by skipping the $6 latte, dining out less, snacking less, and cutting out the alcohol and sodas, most people will actually SAVE money during the program!

DOES INSURANCE PAY FOR THE PROGRAM?

No. Payment for the program must be made by cash, credit card, or check in advance unless special arrangements have been made with Kara prior to the start of the cleanse. In some cases, your Flex spending or HSA can be used at the Beauty Barn - it is your responsibility to see if that is covered for you through your insurance.

ARE THERE REFUNDS?

No refunds are available. If you are unable to complete the cleanse for some reason - you still will have access to all the materials so that you may complete the program when it does work in your life.

The kit is sold as a complete set. Items do not parish quickly, so if you already have some of the ingredients at home, please save the extras for future use, or share with a friend.

HOW DOES THE 21 DAY SPRING CLEANSE DIFFER FROM WEIGHT LOSS PLANS?

Popular, commercial diet plans often consist of processed foods and do not contain components of purification. This cleanse is in fact not a weight-loss centered diet at all. Although weight loss is a desired and common side-effect of participation, it is not the focus. Weight-loss without purification still leaves the need for detoxification and nutritional support. This program is focused on creating habits of healthy eating that encourage a healthier lifestyle. The goal is to reduce the ama in your body. and increase your sense of self!

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS WHILE ON THE PROGRAM?

Reactions can occur and should be expected. In fact, this is generally a good thing! Examples include but are not limited to increased sweating, increased urine and bowel movements, urine color and odor changes, and mild flu-like symptoms as the body is flushing toxins. This is natural as the body starts to burn fat and normal insulin levels drop. This should level out after a few days. Increased bowel movements are a normal response to increased toxin clearing. Diarrhea can also occur early on for the same reason. Should diarrhea persist, let your physician know as chronic diarrhea can be serious. On the opposite end of the spectrum, constipation can also occur in response to increased toxin elimination. In this case, increase your oil intake along with an increase in fluids.

In rare occasions, skin breakouts can occur because the skin is a major organ of toxin elimination. Don’t fret, this should pass quickly. If large areas of rash appear, contact your physician. This too is probably just your body attempting to clear away stored toxins and move them out to the urine, stool and sweat as it is supposed to do.

In some instances, some people will experience a throbbing sensation in the head or legs, generalized aches, itchy skin and even a little fatigue. These symptoms are a normal response to cleansing away toxins and should pass after the first few days. Once they pass, you should start to feel better than you have in years! While I was in in India I experienced the deep throbbing for 2 days in my legs - I later learned that I was experiening a “healing crisis” and it was toxins leaving deep tissue. It was intense and uncomfortable and once I knew what and why it was happening, I could welcome the sensation instead of fear it. I was instructed to increase my Magnesium intake while my legs were aching.

Anaphylaxis - type reaction - fever, swelling, rash are extremely rare and should be reported immediately to your physician &/or 911. Discuss continuing the program with your physician.

CAN I PARTICIPATE IF I AM A DIABETIC?

Yes! First, consult your physician before starting the program so they can look through the program and tailor it for you. Diabetics actually benefit from the program as it is designed to help balance blood sugar and metabolism. If you are on insulin, always check blood sugar before injecting. You will be asked to eat differently than your regular routine and this will effect your insulin levels.

HOW OFTEN CAN I DO A CLEANSE?

The program can be done multiple times a year. This will give you the tools to do smaller cleanses on your own and we always invite you back to cleanse with us again in the future. It’s powerful when done alone and even more powerful when done with the support of community.