In yoga we talk a lot about detoxing. I guess the theory is that we collect harmful things in our bodies, and we want to move them out as soon as possible. We often think of these toxins as physical things we’ve either put into our bodies (pesticides lingering on conventionally-grown produce, hormones from meat or dairy, caffeine, processed foods) and from the environment we live in (pollution, radiation, etc.). Of course, we also tend to hold negative emotions–stress, fear, anxiety–in our bodies. So to rid ourselves of these toxins we build heat hoping to sweat them out. We twist and churn our bellies, trying to kick our digestive systems into gear so toxins exit through, well, our digestive track.
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| Image: Yoga-Abode.com |
If you think that sounds gross, just wait until you hear some of the things ancient yogis did to cleanse themselves! They’d drink saline water to get things “moving” if you know what I mean. They’d put a string up their noses and pull it out their mouths to “floss” their sinuses (if you use a neti pot–it’s the same idea!). My favorite one is a kind of dhauti, where the practitioner swallows a long strip of cloth (all except the end), then pulls it back out taking impurities from the stomach out with it. All I can say is that I hope they threw that cloth away when they were done. Yuck-O!
When you hear about that type of cleansing, today’s popular dietary cleanses seem kind of mild. Today, when you hear a yoga student say he’s cleansing, it probably means he’s restricting the foods he takes into his body and takes in only cleansing foods and beverages instead. There are kinds of cleanses–juice cleanses, fruit cleanses, and the Master Cleanse (nothing but lemon water, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup).
I’m telling you all of this because I’m contemplating a cleanse of my own. I did a cleanse a couple of years ago where I gradually worked my way to eating only fruits and veggies for a few days. I had heard that cleansing would make me feel energetic, clear up my skin, and help me get on the right track to healthy eating. When it was all said and done, I’m not sure if I felt “cleaner” or not.. I almost want to do it again because knowing what to expect, I might be able to understand it all a little better.
I like the idea of getting rid of toxins, but at the same time… a cleanse sounds a lot like a crash diet. And the whole idea that there’s something wrong with our bodies–that they’re unclean–is kind of contradictory to the philosophy that we’re all perfect just as we are. And that’s my favorite yogic philosophy! Plus, it seems pretty silly to go all out with a cleanse for a couple of weeks if I have no intention of giving up cupcakes in this lifetime…
So, I need some feedback.. Should I try it again? Have you ever done a cleanse?
Never done one but I'd love to hear about your experience if you decide to.
i have been really contemplating a cleanse too. i just don't know! i would have the hardest time with my morning cup of coffee. a lot of the students in my training have been cleansing and they seem to feel better.
My yoga teacher chronicled her fall fast here:
http://blog.omyogamom.com/
I have a history of eating disorders, so a cleanse scares me. The idea of restricting food in such a strict way worries me — mostly because I might slip back into my old habits.
The idea that we need to 'cleanse' to get rid of toxins isn't supported by medical science. Our bodies already get rid of what we don't need. Of course, cutting out foods that offer nothing nutritionally is a good thing, but doing a radical 'cleanse' isn't particularly helpful, except perhaps psychologically.
I am so with Anon & Tiffany. Yoga is about trusting your body with it's natural signals of satisfaction & hunger. We learn to tune these out. A really amazing resource is "Intuitive Eating" by Elyse Resch & Evelyn Tribole. They are both registered dieticians & nutrition therapists. Cleanses can be very triggering for those people who struggle with disordered relationships with their bodies and food. *Which is most of the population!!
I follow my body's messages…if it says I need to go liquid for a few days I do. If it tells me to eat all veggies and/or fruit I do. Sometimes my body tells me to cut something out for a while, so I so. And other times I just eat cupcakes for a week because I can.
I avoid eating in ways that are going to stress me out cause that's toxic.
i agree with anon! i lived my life on a diet of all fruits and veggies and all it got me was a 4 month stint in an eating disorder clinic halfway across the country from my husband and all the people i love.
I agree with most others here- cleansing is scary as hell. Also, that it's definitely not supported by western medical science… Our brain needs nutrients to function appropriately… and restricting ourselves to a liquid regime most certainly won't provide everything our brain needs… tell me how that helps psychologically or emotionally?
I also would argue that cleansing doesn't get rid of environmental toxins (or bioaccumulation). Pesticides and pthlatates are in our skin cells, in our body tissue (in our breast milk). Changing what our body absorbs as "nutrients" or lack thereof for a few days (or weeks, or months) really won't rid the toxins stored in our very cells. sadly.
I would think meditation is a much safer and healthier way to focus your mind and emotions. 🙂
(but then I am not an expert "yogi"… so there ya go)
I just did a three day organic/semi raw cleanse from the Zuddha girls. I loved it! It was the perfect time for me (only three days) and the changes were great. More energy, happier, and I felt better about myself. I would recommend it to anyone.
I'm really glad I read this. I've been berating myself for not committing to a juice fast and/or raw foodism, like I've promised myself this year. But then I read your philosophical comment that we are all perfect as we are and that was the gentle reminder that I needed to stop pressuring myself into ridiculous things and that I'm doing the best I can. I also agree with the sentiments above that, we should follow our body's guidance – that way, if I do a cleanse, I know it's because my body is asking for it and it's not ego driven.
ditto what meredith said. i listen to the body and feed it what it wants 🙂
So there is this super amazing, super cute yogi out in california with her own youtube channel and blog that might be helpful if your thinking about doing a cleanse. I totally support cleansing with a raw vegan or juice cleanse. Check out Danielle "Dee" on her word press http://rawalicious.wordpress.com/ hope this is helpful!!! xo
I have done a cleanse two times with Isagenix products. The entire process took 10 days and it was really tough – but I loved the way I felt during and after and I always dropped a few pounds, even though that was not my goal. Most of all the cleanse made me more aware of all the little snacks and stuff I just pop in my mouth each day and don't even realize it.