Ever Consider a Fall Cleanse? By Mantrini (Helen) Mikuska, SOYA, IYTA
There are three general constitutions in Ayurveda – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Every individual is unique. When you discover your dosha (Pitta, Kapha, Vata or a combination of them), you can begin to understand what foods, activities, and yogic practices are best to support your ultimate health.
Let’s take a look at the doshas:
Vata – Vata is the biological air humor and it reflects the prana. It can promote energy, vitality, movement, growth and change. On the flip side, in excess, it can cause degeneration, disease and the aging process. Vata symbolizes the wind which can cause dryness, coldness, lightness and mobility in the body.
Pitta – Pitta is the biological fire humor. It promotes digestion, metabolism, light, warmth and luster in the body. If one has too much Pitta in the body it can cause over-heating, inflammation, toxicity, fever and bleeding. Pitta works actively through the digestive system, but can be harsh and disruptive.
Kapha – Kapha is the biological water humor which governs all bodily tissues and fluids, giving lubrication, stability, fertility and endurance. Excess Kapha in the body may cause sluggish digestion, fatigue, and excess amounts of mucus in the lungs. It is protective, soothing and nurturing but can become congesting, blocking and inhibiting.
Below is one of the recipes that I recommended to consume during a 15 Day Cleanse:
CCF Tea
1 tsp. cumin seed
1 tsp. coriander seed.
1 tsp. fennel seed
Add four cups of boiled water to a small pot. Add seeds. Once it starts to boil, turn heat to low and simmer 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink.
This tea is very cleansing, aids the digestive system and supports absorption of nutrients in the body while bringing the body into a state of acid/alkaline (pH) balance.
Benefits of Cumin – Cumin is one of the best herbs for digestive sluggishness which could occur from a disturbed Vata or Kapha Dosha. Cumin helps with damp and high moisture in the body. It helps to absorb fluids from the large intestine.
Benefits of Coriander – Coriander is good for those with a high Pitta Dosha, particularly for the digestive and urinary systems. Can also be used for allergies, hay fever and skin rashes. It is used as an antidote for hot, pungent food such as tomatoes or chilies. It increases digestion and absorption of your food.
Benefits of Fennel – Fennel is of the best herbs for digestion and helps to strengthen Agni (digestive fire) without aggravating the Pitta Dosha. Fennel is calming to the nervous system. Fennel’s aroma promotes mental alertness. If there is digestive weakness after consuming hot spices, it can also be taken after meals to help with this overheating.
Want to learn more? I am offering an online Ayurvedic Cleansing Workshop!
Ayurvedic Cleansing Workshop at Harmony Yoga Pilates Studio
with Mantrini (Helen) Mikuska
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020 ~ 12-4 p.m. $60.00 (incl. gst)
This workshop will help you understand your Ayurvedic constitution (Prakruti) and your true nature (Vikruti). Discover your dosha! Are you Pitta? Kapha? Vata? or a combination of them!. Every individual is unique.
A 15 day cleanse will be discussed and everything that it will entail so you are well prepared. You will learn about eliminating certain foods that are acidic or too heavy. We will discuss the six tastes, their actions, elements and sources. As the daily cleanse continues you will be adding in more alkaline foods with an emphasis on the bitter, pungent and astringent tastes. The emphasis is to have foods that are easy to digest.
Specific asanas, meditations, mantras and mudras will be recommended for you to practice depending upon your dosha. Bring your glasses and a pencil! You will be completing forms and taking notes in this workshop. I look forward to seeing you there!
Mantrini (Helen) Mikuska, ERYT500, is and Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant with the American Institute of Vedic Sciences. She has studied with Dr. David Frawley and Aadil Palkhivala for more than 3500 hours. Mantrini is a SOYA Lead Trainer in Calgary, Alberta, and had been teaching for SOYA since 2009.
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