Strengthen your gut health. Awaken your mind
In Ayurveda, we cleanse the digestive tract every season.
Why? Many health symptoms and imbalances come from a toxin called ama — a sticky, toxic residue from improperly digested food, emotions, or experiences. Ama accumulates in the digestive tract first, then moves into deeper tissues, clogging channels (srotas) and disturbing doshic balance.
The digestive system — especially the colon — is considered the root of health. If waste isn’t fully eliminated, toxins build up and start circulating, weakening Agni (digestive fire) and aggravating Vata, Pitta, or Kapha.
A cleanse like salt water or castor oil is a way to flush the GI tract directly, clearing ama and resetting Agni before toxins spread deeper.
The body, when provided with the space to reorganize, will do so naturally. The body is incredibly intelligent and continuously seeks homeostasis. With the cleanse and yoga practices body will be able to restore its balance.
The mind and the body are part of the whole, beautiful being that is you. When you eat, cleanse your body, and then eat a balanced, sattvic, high-quality food, your body detoxifies and rejuvenates. The health of your body will be reflected in your mind. You may find more clarity in your mind, groundedness in your energy, and enthusiasm about life.
To rejuvenate is to evolve into your natural state, one of vitality and well-being. Many people believe that experiencing symptoms of ill health, like constipation, bloating, diabetes, colds, flu, acne, and migraines, is a natural part of being human. But what is normal is not necessarily natural. Our modern lifestyles are pulling us out of balance as ongoing symptoms and diseases have become normalized. You can experience your natural state of wellness by supporting your body to function according to its incredible natural design. This begins by strengthening agni and digestion, and a wonderful way to do this is by simplifying what you consume.
Shankha Prakshalana, or "salt water cleanse," is an easy and effective technique for cleansing the gastrointestinal canal and digestive system by bringing on a forced bowel movement. This removes all the autointoxicants in the alimentary canal, providing your digestive system with the right environment to heal and begin anew. Cleansing you from the "Inside - Out."
Salt itself is needed for many biochemical processes, including (but not limited to):
Adrenal gland/thyroid gland function
Cell wall stability
Muscle contractions
Nutrient absorption
Nerve stimulation
PH Balance
Water balance regulation
This cleanse involves drinking two glasses of specially prepared water and repeating the prepared asanas in order six times. You will repeat this action repeatedly until your body is "completely empty."
You will then rest for about 1 hour in the Savasana position. Try to maintain complete silence during this time, as the whole digestive system is given a chance to recharge itself.
2 hours after completing the cleanse, specially prepared food, khichri (rice + moong lentils), must be eaten to help the intestines and keep the gut walls stretched. Otherwise, they may cramp due to the absence of the bulk to which they are accustomed. This bulk maintains the lane and aids the intestine in resuming peristalsis.
A castor oil cleanse can be a supportive therapy for both Vata and Kapha imbalances, but for different reasons in each case. Here’s how it works for each dosha:
1. For Vata Imbalance
(especially when there’s constipation, gas, bloating, or dryness)
Gentle Lubrication – Castor oil is unctuous and warming, which helps counter Vata’s dryness and coldness in the colon.
Encourages Regular Elimination – Supports downward movement (Apana Vata) and can relieve long-standing constipation.
Reduces Nervous System Agitation – By removing built-up toxins from the gut, it helps calm the overactive, restless qualities of Vata.
Soothes the Gut – The anti-inflammatory nature of ricinoleic acid can reduce irritation in the intestinal lining, often aggravated in Vata types.
⚠️ For Vata: Castor oil cleanses should be mild, infrequent, and always balanced with warming, grounding foods afterward to prevent further depletion.
2. For Kapha Imbalance
(especially when there’s sluggish digestion, heaviness, congestion, or water retention)
Clears Excess Mucus & Ama – Castor oil is mildly heating and cleansing, helping to break down the sticky ama (toxins) that Kapha tends to accumulate.
Stimulates Metabolism – Promotes digestive fire (Agni) and helps shift Kapha’s slow, heavy metabolism toward better circulation and elimination.
Decongests the Lymph & Gut – Supports clearing fluid stagnation, helping with puffiness, bloating, and brain fog.
Lightens the Body – Helps reduce the sense of heaviness and lethargy common in Kapha imbalance.
⚠️ For Kapha: The cleanse can be stronger and more frequent than for Vata, but still should be followed by light, warming foods to maintain digestion.
Overall Benefits for Both Doshas
Flushes out ama (toxins) from the digestive tract.
Supports liver detoxification and gallbladder function.
Improves elimination and bowel regularity.
Can help rebalance digestive fire (Agni) for clearer thinking and better energy.
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Wash your Worries Away
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Renew "YOU"
What to expect
Meet the Group
4-6 p.m. - Arrival
6 p.m. - Dinner (Tea, Dal and Rice)
Opening ceremony
Cleanse Day!
7- 8:30 - Kriya
9 -10 - Cleanse: First Group
Mediation (no sleeping)
12:30 Lunch (Tea, Kitchari)
4 - Quiet Time
4:30-5:30 Pranayama, meditation
6:30 - Dinner (Tea, Kitchari)
Chanting & Journaling
Quiet time & bed
On to the New "YOU"
7-8:30 - Kriya
9 Breakfast (Tea, Fruit salad, Oatmeal)
Closing Ceremony
2 Nights in Stay, shared occupancy
Once you come to retreat, we take care of the rest.
Ayurveda Consultation
Ayurvedic Cleanse
Four fresh meals + Teas
Morning Yoga, Evening Pranayama, and Meditation
Journaling, Chanting, and Silent time
Towel
Bathing Suit
Yoga Mat
Blanket
Toiletries
Journal
Price is per person rate, in shared occupancy rooms:
The $300 covers your deposit and spot in the retreat. If you do not wish to stay with us at home, you will only pay $300. The second payment is due the week of the retreat to secure your bed and varies depending on your sleeping arrangements.
Aug. 12-Sep 1st
x2 - Pull Out Bed - $150
x2 - Queen Bed - $339
x2 - King Bed - $499
Off-Campus Options
SPECIAL!
You both receive 10% OFF + Self Care Goodie Bag
If you sign up with a friend, or better yet, bunk with a friend. You and your friend will both receive a 10% discount for the ENTIRE retreat!
You will drink two glasses of salt water with lime water and repeat all asanas in order 6 times. Or you will be given castor oil. What you recieve depends on your body type and your imbalance at the time. Your body will then begin to empty its bowels.
As pressure increases, fewer stools and more water will be evacuated. The speed at which one completes the practice should not be compared with that of others.
Total rest for 1 hr to 45 min is essential after the practice of shankhaprakshalan in the Savasana position, and one should not sleep as it may result in a cold or headache.
Try to maintain complete silence because, during this time, the whole digestive system is given a chance to recharge itself.
SPECIAL MEAL
2 hours after completing your cleanse, specially prepared food, khichri (rice + moong lentils), must be taken; eating this meal at the correct time is essential.
The 3 components of the khichri are helpful in the restoration of correct digestive function. The clarified butter (cow's ghee) is necessary to coat the intestinal walls until the body produces a new lining. Rice provides simple, easily digestible material in the form of carbohydrates and creates mucus, which also protects the inner lining of the alimentary canal. The lentils supplement the diet by giving the body an easily digestible source of protein, kitchari is an all-around nutritional meal, and a sufficient quantity of it must be eaten to help the intestines and keep the walls of the gut stretched. Otherwise, they may cramp due to the absence of the bulk to which they are accustomed. This bulk not only maintains the lane but also aids the intestine in resuming peristalsis.
Further rest, However, it is important not to sleep for at least 3 hours after the initial meal. Sleep during this period may lead to physical lethargy and headache; complete rest should be taken for the remainder of the day and also for the following days. During this period, it is advisable to keep to a moan (silence) and avoid physical and mental work.
your host
Kundalini Specialist K-YTT-200, Yin & Hatha YTT-200, Ayurveda Enthusiast
I am Mackenzie, a Kundalini Practitioner, Ayurveda Enthusiast, and Psychology Student at IU. I am here to help as many souls as possible discover their true nature through this journey we call life. I've been a yogi since 2012 after a horrific car accident that left me immobile, and my gut health had been "not good" since I was 12 (IBS, lactose intolerance). After traveling to Rishikesh in 2018 for my YTTs, I found Ayurveda, and it quickly taught me my mind is connected to my stomach and how to properly purify my mind and gut, eat for my body type, and live in a manner that complements my true nature.
Come join us at The Renew "You" Retreat to cleanse your temple, for YOU!
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