In our day to day life, we’re faced with a multitude of factors that contribute to the accumulation of toxins in our body that makes cleansing rituals a necessity. Pollution, sun exposure, stress, processed foods and even changes in the weather can cause toxins to build up at a pace that overtakes the body’s natural processes of detoxification. When we are thrown out of balance by these toxins, we can experience weight gain, indigestion and bloating, anxiety, acne and more.
There are a number of ways we can change our lifestyles to minimize the factors that contribute to the overaccumulation of toxins, such as adopting a healthier diet and exercising. However, certain dangers—like weather changes, sun exposure and pollution—can’t be avoided. While we should always strive to alter our habits to develop regular routines based in healthful eating, mindful meditation and restful sleep, the process of achieving that is challenging and long, and we all experience bodily imbalance and toxin accumulation from time to time.
Fortunately, Ayurveda offers a number of detox tips and practices that help us restore balance by amplifying our body’s natural ability to detox. While there are a number of transformative detox practices that require one to carve out a certain period of time (such as panchakarma and self-massage), there are also several ways to detox that are extremely quick, simple and still powerfully effective. Here are 3 detox tips from Ayurveda that will help you incorporate detox into your daily routine—best of all, all of these practices take less than 10 minutes!
1
Use A Tongue Scraper For An Instant Morning Detox
In Ayurveda, it is believed that the toxins harbored on the tongue offer insights into greater underlying conditions in our bodies. Furthermore, failing to practice strong oral hygiene techniques can contribute to an excess accumulation of toxins, which can in turn lead to the development of conditions like acne and digestive issues.
Tongue scraping is an extremely effective practice that can redress these imbalances by extracting toxins—or ama—from the mouth. Through tongue scraping, the negative effects of toxin accumulation can be countered and prevented; as one study showed, tongue scraping improves bad breath and eliminates harmful coatings on the tongue.
In Ayurveda, tongue scrapers are typically crafted out of copper, which is revered for its antimicrobial properties. Our UMA Pure Palate Tongue Scraper is crafted by community artisans in India, who draw on ancient technical wisdom and the powerful detoxifying properties of copper to create a tongue scraper that feels luxurious to use. To tongue scrape, gently run the tongue scraper from the back of the tongue to the front. Rinse and repeat this process several times over the entire surface of the tongue. Wash your scraper with soap and warm water and store in a dry place.
For more information on the benefits and importance of tongue scraping, you can check out our blog on the topic here.
2
Use A Kansa Wand For Circulation And Radiance
The Kansa wand is a handheld wooden tool whose rounded tip is made of copper and tin. In Ayurvedic practice, Kansa wands are used to stimulate our facial marma points, which are energy centers that determine our internal balance. The process of running a Kansa wand along one’s marma points promotes circulation and lymphatic drainage. As a result, not only do the lymph nodes experience natural detoxification, but one’s complexion also becomes more radiant as a result of an increase in circulation.
Studies have shown that facial massages like these boost the complexion with a natural glow.
For more information on how and why you should incorporate the Kansa wand into your daily routine, check out our blog here. If you don’t have one of your own, our luxuriously-crafted UMA Kansa Wand is sure to deliver a restorative, rejuvenating self-care experience.
3
Drink Water In The Morning And Take Triphala At Night
It’s essential to drink a glass of room temperature water in the morning as a means of flushing out toxins and stimulating the digestive system. In Ayurveda, our agni—or digestive fire—is central to helping our digestive systems process what we eat. Drinking a glass of lukewarm water (not cold water, which impedes agni) stimulates our agni and helps to promote healthy digestion. Furthermore, staying well-hydrated and a healthy detox diet also improves skin tone and radiance.
At the end of the day, you can take triphala, which is an ancient polyherbal blend of three fruits native to India—bibhitaki, amalaki, and haritaki. Bibhitaki is known for its ability to detoxify muscles, fatty tissue and blood. Rich in Vitamin C, Amalaki, or Indian gooseberry, is known to boost the immune system and lower cholesterol. Haritaki is abundant in antioxidants and helps to combat inflammation, promote healing and enhance brain function. Triphala is revered in Ayurveda for its nourishing and balancing properties.
Furthermore, research has shown that it supports healthy bowel movements, internal cleansing and tissue nourishment. Taking triphala at the end of the day will help you to establish strong, healthy digestion. It is one of the best detoxification technique.
Our UMA Digestive Detox Herbal Supplement harnesses the detoxifying powers of triphala to cleanse the digestive system and promote overall healing. To use, take one capsule in the evening (or in the morning, if you prefer) before or after a meal. Note: Always consult with your doctor or Ayurvedic practitioner before making significant changes to your routine. We do not recommend triphala for pregnant women.
