Alcohol – To Sip or to Skip
During times of celebration, relaxation or even stress and boredom, the question of "How much is too much?” often arises when it comes to alcohol consumption. A glass of wine is sometimes cited as beneficial to heart health. The ancient science of Ayurveda traditionally employs small amounts of alcohol as a Rasayana (rejuvenating agent). However, it also cautions that excessive consumption is toxic and depletes the body’s vital energy, or Ojas. Striking the balance between moderation and elimination of alcohol in our lifestyles is key to liver function and overall health.
Alcohol in Ayurveda: A Double-Edged Sword
Ayurveda categorises alcohol consumption into three distinct levels;
Consumption in small amounts: When taken in moderation, alcohol can promote feelings of happiness, creativity, humour and mental satisfaction.
Excessive consumption: At this stage, alcohol begins to impair memory, speech and physical coordination, signalling its negative impact on the mind and body.
Severe intoxication: Here, alcohol disrupts sattvic (peaceful and balanced) qualities, giving rise to emotions such as fear, anger and confusion. The body and mind are left depleted and destabilised.
This Ayurvedic framework emphasises the importance of self-awareness. Are you in control of your alcohol consumption or is alcohol controlling you?
Restoring Balance with Ayurvedic Practices
Ayurveda offers powerful tools to restore balance, detoxify the body and protect the liver. Here are some practical steps to reduce alcohol’s impact and promote overall wellness:
Natural detox practices such as tongue scraping and drinking warm water with ginger on rising, removes ama (toxins), which are eliminated by the body overnight. Consuming light meals, avoiding snacking between meals and fasting or skipping a meal occasionally, can also allow the digestive system to rest.
Panchakarma, Ayurveda’s traditional detox programme, is a comprehensive approach to cleansing the body. Treatments include oil massages, sweat therapy, intake of herbs and medicated ghee to eliminate toxins and rejuvenation practices to restore balance. A gentle Panchakarma programme can help the body to heal from alcohol-induced stress.
Ayurvedic herbs for liver support are especially beneficial. In our Sattva Botanicals product range, we offer a variety of options to facilitate a detox. Our top three recommendations are:
Triphala, a powerful immunity enhancer, full of antioxidants which aid digestion and elimination.
Neem, a blood-purifier, known for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.
Guduchi, a liver cleanser, that helps flush out toxins and strengthens immunity.
Embrace the New Year with Balance
Summer is a time of joy and connection, but it’s important to remain mindful of how alcohol impacts your body and mind. By embracing Ayurvedic wisdom, you can find balance in your choices. Whether that means reducing alcohol consumption, incorporating Ayurvedic herbs, or committing to a detox programme, there are natural ways to heal, rejuvenate and restore your vitality.
If you would like to experience an Ayurvedic detox in a nurturing environment away from home, come to our next ‘Autumn Cleanse Retreat’ at Parohe on Kawau Island 27-30 March. (Sarita Solvig Blankenburg)
AYURVEDA NZ, 386 Richmond Road, M: 021 144 5768, www.ayurvedanz.co.nz
www.ayurvedanz.co.nz/products/ayurveda-cleanse-retreat
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