INTRODUCTIONYogic cleansing, related toShat Karmain the Yogic tradition, andPancha Karmain 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 ourhome 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 guidanceNOTE: 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 PRACTICED1.Jala neti: nasal/sinus irrigation (three types)2.Nasya: nasal oleation to purify/pacify breathing3.Trataka: purification of the senses through candleflame4.Kapalabhati pranayama: pranayama for purification of kapha5.Agnisar dhauti: pranayama for regulation of pitta6.Ashwini mudra: pranayama for pacification of vata7.Nadi shodhana: pranayama for cleansing ida and pingala8.Tongue cleaning9.Abhyanga: self-massage with herbal oil10.Swedhana: sweating therapy as appropriate to dosha11.Tantric sleep meditation12.Usage of digestive herbs with meals13.Usage of triphala15.Varisar dhauti: purgative therapy, technique and indications16.Basti: colon therapy, technique and indications17.Anuvasana basti: colon nutrition, technique and indicationsPROGRAMME GOALSA 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 yourama-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.To give a general idea of what this process asks of participants, we present the following excerpt from the instruction manual: GENERAL REQUIREMENTSThis 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.