Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient Indian tradition dating back hundreds of years. In the United States, Ayurvedic medicine is considered a whole medical system. It was heavily influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism, which emphasize tenets of moderation and balance. In Ayurvedic medicine, balance is sought among the three bodily principles: Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Foods to Avoid
Ayurvedic medical practitioners teach that ama, a toxic, sticky byproduct of incomplete digestion, clogs the body's arterial walls and channels through which nutrients are carried and toxins are expelled. Certain foods are believed to cause an increase in ama, and these are the foods to avoid when following the Ayurvedic detox diet. They include any processed, packaged, canned or frozen foods.
Foods to Eat
Eat ama-reducing foods. Several foods are believed to be especially beneficial, such as cooked prunes and figs. Ayurvedic practitioners also promote eating cooked vegetarian meals that are easily digestible, including flat breads, lentil dhals and soups. Sweet, juicy fruits, green leafy vegetables and grains such as amaranth, quinoa and rice are also recommended. Spices native to India, such as ginger, turmeric, coriander, fennel and fenugreek, are also part of the Ayurvedic detox diet.
Vata
There are three Ayurvedic principles in the body. These are known as Vata, Pitta and Kapha and they must be balanced at all times. Decide which of them you need to balance in order to determine the type of diet you should be following. Symptoms of needing to balance Vata are dry skin, restlessness, insomnia, overactive mind and incessant worrying. Recommended treatments are daily sesame oil massages, staying in warm temperatures, eating warm, cooked foods, going early to bed, having plenty of rest and avoiding stimulants.
Pitta
The symptoms of needing to balance Pitta are being overly critical, frustration, skin rashes, premature grey hair or hair thinning, excess stomach acid and hot flashes. Recommended treatments are keeping cool, eating cool, sweet and astringent foods, avoiding overworking, eating at regular mealtimes and having massages with cooling oils such as coconut oil.
Kapha
Needing to balance Kapha manifests itself in a tendency to be overweight, lethargic, experiencing sinus problems, having oily hair and skin, sleeping long hours and and general laziness and complacency. The treatments to balance Kapha are daily exercise, exposure to warm temperatures, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, eating bitter foods, seeking out new experiences and going to bed early and rising early.
Drink Warm Water
Regardless of whether you need to balance Vata, Pitta or Kapha, it is recommended you drink warm water throughout the day to flush out toxins. You can add detoxifying spices to the water if you wish.
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