Developed in ancient India, Ayurveda translates from Sanskrit to the "science of life." It is known as Yoga's sister science; while Yoga is meant to address the mind, Ayurveda addresses the body. Both sciences aim to help us find balance: equanimity in the mind via Yoga, and homeostasis in the body via Ayurveda.

Ayurveda considers fall an important time to cleanse, detoxify, and rejuvenate. We move from summer, which has hot, humid, and sharp qualities, into fall, which has dry, light, mobile, rough, and hard qualities. Our goal during a fall cleanse is to stoke and support our digestive fire, known as agni in Sanskrit, during this shift by offering our bodies easy, gentle nourishment through specific, simple foods and lifestyle practices.

It is easy for the heating qualities of summer to build up throughout the season and even reach a point of imbalance, whether subtle or more obvious. This imbalance can show up as skin issues, irritability, menstrual changes, changes in digestion, amongst other symptoms. While the fall season helps dissipate this built-up heat, it can also aggravate it by adding air or wind (fall) to the fire (summer). Cleansing at this seasonal juncture supports an easier transition into the new season, while also allowing an acknowledgement and celebration of this natural shift.

The Ayurveda Fall Cleanse is a food-based cleanse that spans 10 days (this can be made shorter depending on your comfort level) and includes 2 days of preparation, 5 days of the main cleanse, and 3 days of easing out of the cleanse and into the new season with a new perspective and greater knowledge of your body and mind. This cleanse is not a fast, and you will eat simple, nourishing foods throughout the 10 days, 3 (or even 4, if needed) times a day. During the 5 main cleanse days, the primary food eaten is kichari, an easy-to-make rice- and bean-based dish that includes spices and vegetables. It is a complete (and comfort) food. You will also be invited over the course of the 10 days to add or shift certain daily routines to support the cleansing and rejuvenation processes.

It is important to note that you do not need to do everything recommended in the cleanse for it to have a positive impact on your health and well-being. Above all, Ayurveda teaches awareness, and our goal is for you to have a window of time in which you can focus, even just a little, on yourself and the positive changes you would like to see in your life.

Almost anyone* can do this cleanse!

This cleanse is for anyone who wants to embark in a 10-day journey using the teachings of Ayurveda to learn more about their body and mind. We will take the cleanse gently and day by day to support ourselves at this seasonal juncture. 

Signs you might benefit from this cleanse:

• Something in your body just feels a little “off” or out of balance.

• You’ve been experiencing digestive irregularities.

• You’ve noticed changes in your skin and you think they may have something to do with your gut.

• You want to try and establish positive routines with regards to your diet and lifestyle.

• You are curious about how you can align your diet and lifestyle routines with the changing seasons.

• You want the guidance of a Holistic Health Counselor and the support of a community to keep you accountable as you continue on your health journey.

*This cleanse is not recommended for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have recently given birth. Please email hello@emmabowenyoga.com if you have any questions about this. 

• A detailed 36-page cleanse manual

• A (much!) shorter, 2.5-page cleanse “cheat sheet" for those who need a “less is more” approach

• ​​A printable shopping list, chart with daily routines, and daily planner

• A printable recipe booklet to support your cleanse (and fall meal planning after the cleanse more generally)

• 3 live Zoom meetings with Emma and the cleanse participants (these will be recorded and posted)

• Daily communication from Emma to the cleanse participants on a private discussion board 

• Support from Emma and the cleanse participants through the private discussion board

• A recorded yoga and breathwork class to support your cleanse journey

Two weeks prior to the start date of our cleanse (or immediately if you sign up in the 2-week window leading up to the cleanse), you will receive all the information (materials, links, etc.) you need for the cleanse so you can start preparing.

Absolutely! If you’d like to add 30-minute pre- and post-cleanse Holistic Health Consultations to your package at a discounted rate, reach out to Emma at hello@emmabowenyoga.com.