INTRODUCTION

Yogic cleansing, related to Shat Karma in the Yogic tradition,

and Pancha Karma in the Ayurvedic lineage, is a series of
external and internal cleansings that clear the body of
digestive and environmental toxins down to the cellular level.
These practices have a 4000-year history of re-balancing the
human constitution by clearing the body's material layers
(both physical and pranic) of allergens and energetic torpor.
The benefits of yogic cleansing extend through to one's
emotional well-being and spiritual aspirations.
At dedicated retreat centres, these practices are administered
by clinicians, supervised by Doctors, follow pre-set timing, and
cost thousands of dollars. At Renaissance Yoga and Ayurveda,
we teach Yogic Cleansing according to the householders
tradition of Northern India, in which the therapies are
supervised, but self-administered, so that one learns how to
use these practices appropriately throughout one's life,
according to need and schedule.
Our Yogic Cleansing Programme runs twice yearly: spring and
fall, according to the Ayurvedic perspective on seasonal
treatment. It begins with instructional lectures. The first is
open to the public, and consists of an overview of Ayurvedic
theory and practice. The subsequent lectures, cooking class,
and check-in class are limited to registered participants, and
will consist of the instructions for the cleansing itself and will
address questions that arise during the process. After two
weeks of preparation, we meet for the main purgative kriya.
The final week of the program is self-administered, with your
therapist providing phone and e-mail support. For more
specific details on the practices, please visit the "Yogic
Cleansing" screen through the Services menu of our home
page.
Every student who is interested in this programme will have a
brief consultation in person with the Yoga Therapist to assure
that the process, or a part thereof, is not contraindicated. For
instance, these practices are never to be done while suffering

from acute illnesses lasting less than 21 days. Most are

contraindicated if intestinal parasites are present and during
pregnancy, and are best avoided during the first 3 days of
menstruation. In the case of breastfeeding, special
consideration is required. A certain amount of strength and
stamina is required. Please be aware that your participation
in this programme is by strict permission of the Yoga
Therapist, who may delay or end your participation at any
time (for a full credit of unused services, less materials),
should any contraindication arise.
Once registered and enrolled, each student will receive over
$150 worth of materials:
a general constitutional assessment
a neti pot, and nasal oil ("nasya")
a tongue cleaner
medicated ghee (clarified butter) for internal oleation
organic ghee for cooking
digestive herbs
herbalized oil for self-massage
staple groceries for the cleansing days
an instruction manual
a kit for colon treatment, including herbs
phone and e-mail support when needed
20 supervised contact hours
personal advice according to constitution
post-cleansing meal preparation

 follow-up nutritional guidance

NOTE: The appropriateness of this program for you depends
upon your general health, medical history, disease tendencies,
emotional balance and Ayurvedic constitution. You are
expected to study yourself in detail and assess your findings in
relation to the given instructions to determine if this program
or any of its parts are unsuitable for you. Your Yoga Therapist
and Ayurvedic Health Educator will assess your various
attributes and give advice and/or recommendations based
upon the tradition, but the responsibility for what you choose
to do, the effort you apply, and the results of this process, are
your own. In this way, you can become, over time, your own
physician an expert in the mystery of you.

CLEANSING TECHNIQUES TO BE PRACTICED

1. Jala neti: nasal/sinus irrigation (three types)

2. Nasya: nasal oleation to purify/pacify breathing
3. Trataka: purification of the senses through candleflame
4. Kapalabhati pranayama: pranayama for purification of kapha
5. Agnisar dhauti: pranayama for regulation of pitta
6. Ashwini mudra: pranayama for pacification of vata
7. Nadi shodhana: pranayama for cleansing ida and pingala
8. Tongue cleaning
9. Abhyanga: self-massage with herbal oil
10. Swedhana: sweating therapy as appropriate to dosha
11. Tantric sleep meditation
12. Usage of digestive herbs with meals
13. Usage of triphala
15. Varisar dhauti: purgative therapy, technique and indications
16. Basti: colon therapy, technique and indications
17. Anuvasana basti: colon nutrition, technique and indications

PROGRAMME GOALS

A thorough understanding of the purpose, reasoning, timing, and technique

of all of the cleansing practices listed above.

Heightened sense of self-awareness, especially with regard to diet, and the

causes of digestive disturbance.

An introduction to Ayurvedic cooking: applying the six tastes, and cooking

for your constitution.

Three weeks of directed contemplation, considering all levels of your life:

food, mental impressions, relationships, career, interaction with modern
culture, self-inquiry.

A period of adjustment to the cleansing diet which will reveal to you

whatever vulnerabilities lie beneath your regular habits.

The ability to sense the presence of toxins and their movement as you
encourage them to depart.

Concrete evidence of your ama-load, as shown during the main kriyas.

Encouragement to take a fearless inventory of your regrets, grievances,
causes for depression, so that all such obstacles may be brought to light.

The matter-of-fact psychology of Ayurveda, which de-mystifies emotional

conflict by showing that it mirrors physical conflict, and by showing how
closely the mind rides upon the body.

At the end of the process: physical lightness, mental ease.

The gradual ameliorization of allergies, food sensitivities, malabsorption,

chronic muscle soreness, edema, skin conditions, poor sleep, low vitality,
excess weight, emotional drama, and unruly cravings. Improvements can
happen immediately, but most chronic conditions will need 3 or 4
applications of yogic cleansing to clear.
The ability to self-apply all techniques safely, according to season,
symptomology, and need.

Togiveageneralideaofwhatthisprocessasksofparticipants,wepresentthefollowingexcerptfromthe
instructionmanual:
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

This program can make a significant improvement to your quality of life by expanding your
understanding of how to harmonize yourself to your world and to your higher purposes. Such
potential is most effectively activated through your own effort. The more you put into this
experience, the more it will offer you. In this spirit, the following items of discipline are
suggested:

Set aside at least one hour per day to devote to this program, between prescribed
practices and journaling. On some days this commitment will extend to 2 hours.
Refrain from alcohol, tobacco, etc. throughout the course of therapy.
To the best of your ability, migrate towards a simple vegetarian diet, with a focus on
fresh, whole foods prepared with love.
If you do not do so already, buy organic foods that are locally produced.
To the best of your ability, reduce your consumption of caffeine and refined sugars. But
let moderation be your guide. Do not try to change long-term patterns too quickly.
Abide by the precept: Garbage In = Garbage Out.
Plan your shopping, meals, and work weeks around the two absolute time commitments:
6 to 8am on day 8, and 6 to 11am on day 15.
In order to reduce your intake of negative mental impressions, refrain from watching
television or movies during the period of the cleanse. Restrict your intake of news media
to the absolutely necessary, i.e., weather etc.

Follow as best you can the ethical principles presented in the instruction.
Avoid or pacify those relationships in your life that involve chronic conflict.
Be adamant about receiving adequate rest at night.
Do not work more than 8 hours per day, and try to work less. Consider yourself to be on
retreat.