STRUCTURING EVERYDAY LIFE FOR OPTIMUM RESULTS

After your treatment programme, the time it takes for your body to adjust can vary. Generally, you will experience a thrust of vitality during the closing days of your treatment, However, we tend to expect the total aftercare phase to last between one and two weeks. During this time you should gradually return to a normal diet, ensure you have sufficient sleep at night, and observe the recommendations you were given during your final consultation. This will help you maintain the positive effects of your treatments and programmes.

In order to gradually rid the body of impurities, we recommend detoxifying once or twice a year (10-14-day Panchakarma treatments are ideal).

USHNODAKA THERAPY AND GINGER TEA

Drinking hot water regularly is very important in Ayurveda. It washes through the entire system and so has a strong detoxifying effect.

The water should be boiled for at least 15 minutes. This will increase its detoxifying effect, and it acquires a slightly sweet taste that helps to calm Vata.

The water should be as hot as possible and sipped at intervals. The quantity depends on your thirst. Do not force yourself to drink a specific amount. Generally, you only need about half a cup in half an hour. You can prepare a sufficient quantity of water in advance to keep in a Thermos flask.

If you have a weak metabolism and distinct Ama you should add a small pinch of powdered ginger to the hot water. Alternatively, you could prepare some ginger tea by using the fresh root (boil three to four slices in one litre of water for ten minutes). Because ginger is hot and sweet it stimulates the digestion and also has a cleansing effect.

As well as being detoxifying, hot water has many other positive effects, including satisfying ‘mock’ hunger pangs between meals, and helping to avoid the side effects of fasting, e.g. nausea, headaches, irritability and fatigue. Sipping the water has a calming and psychologically stabilising effect, which becomes particular noticeable in nervous and tense people. Intestinal disorders such as belching, flatulence, bloating or constipation disappear. Drinking hot water also alleviates pain.

Fried, deep-fried, fatty and sour foods, a diet consisting only of raw vegetables, uncooked cereals, pork and beef, yoghurt, cheese, fermented milk products and any kind of sweets. You should also restrict yourself to the three main meals and avoid snacks.