Dr. Grant Tinsley, PhD., the director of the Energy Balance & Body Composition Laboratory at Texas Tech University, and Katey Davidson, a dietitian with a Master of Science in Foods and Nutrition argue that there is little evidence to support the effectiveness of an Ayurvedic detox and it may threaten people’s health.
Ayurvedic Detox: Overview, Safety, and Effectiveness
Written by Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT
Medically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, PhD
July 24, 2020
Ayurveda, also known as Ayurvedic medicine, is one of the world’s oldest schools of traditional healing. Its name means “the science of life.”
Tracing back to India over 3,000 years ago, Ayurvedic medicine is said to promote “whole-body” healing — in contrast to Western medicine, which tends to separate physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Many followers of Ayurveda not only follow a traditional diet but also engage in regular detoxes that are believed to rid the body and mind of toxins, ultimately preventing illnesses. However, many health experts are skeptical of this detox’s purported benefits.
As such, you may wonder whether you should try an Ayurvedic detox.
This article provides a comprehensive review of the Ayurvedic detox, including its benefits, downsides, and side effects.
What is the Ayurvedic detox?
The Ayurvedic detox is based heavily on long-established precepts of Ayurvedic medicine.
Ayurveda divides the world into five elements — Vayu (air), Prithvi (earth), Teja (fire), Aakash (space), and Jala (water).
Various combinations of each element are believed to form three humors, also known as doshas, which are responsible for different physiological functions in your body. The three doshas are vata, kapha, and pitta.
To ensure proper health, you’re meant to maintain balance between the three doshas, as well as the five elements. If imbalances exist, disease is said to occur.
An imbalance of waste products — mutra (urine), purisha (feces), and sweda (sweat) — is also believed to cause illnesses, such as diarrhea, constipation, asthma, arthritis, skin issues, and urinary tract infections.
Detoxes are meant to be a routine part of restoring balance to your health.
Keep in mind that each person has their own unique balance of doshas, based on genetics and personality traits, which are linked to various health outcomes. An Ayurvedic practitioner can help you determine your dosha and related treatment options.
Some Ayurvedic sources recommend detoxing at the start of each season to rid your body of toxins, or Ama, that may have accumulated during the previous season from food, stress, and other factors.
