By Ragaia Belovarac and Megan Darwin

Like a familiar friend returning for an anticipated and special visit, it is upon us – the inevitable re-emergence of Spring. It has been a long and arduous transition for many of us, and not just in regards to the wacky winter weather. The stress and instability of the economy, demands in the workplace, increased stress at home… the list could go on and on. This physical and mental stress accumulates during the Winter months, a time when our bodies are meant to rest, repair and rejuvenate for the upcoming year. If you’re like most people, you may find yourself feeling quite drained and exhausted from the demands of the previous year, not to mention the holidays… When is there time to re-boot for the new year? Are we truly meant to “power through,” meeting this year’s challenges with a body and mind that is heavy and sluggish with last year’s weight?

The traditional Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda has very clear wisdom to share with our weary souls. As we observe the changing seasons happening around us, so too are similar changes occurring within us simultaneously. Just as the trees lose their leaves and send their energy down into their roots, our energy is meant to go within, into a hibernation of sorts. The months ending one year and beginning a new one is a time for rest and rejuvenation. Only then can we truly function at an optimum level.

The seasonal changes happening in the environment in which we live create a kind of reflection within our systems. Ayurveda teaches us that it is in these peak seasonal transition times that our bodies are also best suited and supported to eliminate toxins, purify and rejuvenate our bodies. The energy is simply more available to assist the body during these natural processes. A healthy body will naturally do its part to harmonize and balance itself through the annual cycles. However, as we age our bodies often become more challenged with the natural re-balancing. Offering our body the tools it needs to cleanse and rejuvenate becomes more important as we progress in age.

The R.O.I (return on investment) on personal health investment is abundant. Deciding to dedicate time and capital towards building and maintaining a healthy body will not only add years to your life, but it will increase the quality and joy of those years. And, it’s not just you who reaps the rewards! Those around you, friends, family and associates will benefit from a happier, healthier you. Over 5,000 years of evidence through Ayurveda proves this to be true. Take the time to cleanse your body of the toxins and buildup of last year (and probably many years prior). Give your body the opportunity to operate at its highest potential.

The Ayurvedic cleansing process is called Pancha Karma, and offers a gentle and thorough detoxification of the entire system, beginning with the G.I. tract. In the United States a routine Pancha Karma cleanse can last anywhere from 7-30 days. With the guidance of trained Ayurvedic practitioners, clients receive daily oil massage, shirodhara (warm oil poured over the third eye, a nervous system balancing treatment), therapeutic purgation and therapeutic herbal sweats. All of these treatments, in addition to consuming a mono-diet of kitchari, encourage toxins that are stuck in the tissues of the body to release and be expelled. Clients feel renewed, refreshed and healthier than ever after experiencing Pancha Karma. Unlike many fad cleanses of the day, Pancha Karma is tried and true, derived from the ancient wisdom of the Vedas.

We cannot change the economy or control the market overnight and we might have little control over our workload and environment at the office. The ups and downs of life will continue to come our way, and nothing is certain except change. What we DO have control over is how well we prepare ourselves both mentally and physically. If we are bound up and congested, if our channels are blocked, what good will we be when we are met with a challenge? A congested body reflects a congested mind, and vice versa. Ayurveda advises us to take the time during the change of seasons to cleanse our bodies so that we are well prepared to take life on.

Why Blue Sage Ayurveda?

Blue Sage Ayurveda offers Pancha Karma at our healing Sanctuary by employing an ancient method we call “immersion.” The Sanctuary is a clean, well appointed healing space set amidst a beautiful natural environment in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California. Within the immersion style of Pancha Karma all aspects of the process are managed by a Pancha Karma Specialist. All information and support are provided to assist you throughout the entire process. Within this private environment of total immersion you receive the full benefits of yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic body therapies. We accomplish this by ensuring that each of our practitioners are well trained in the proper administration of Pancha Karma therapies and by providing an environment that directs your process inward. It is important to reduce everyday sensory input and distractions while cleansing and purifying the body, mind and spirit. It is our intention to offer this ancient healing tradition in its highest form.

www.bluesage-ayurveda.com – 1.888.878.5222 – info@bluesage-ayurvda.com