Q: Why is the Vitality Now program only 7 days? Don't most Ayurvedic detoxes recommend a period of 21 days?

A: Ayurveda often recommends a 21 day cleanse for a few reasons.

There is a preparation period before the intensive detox procedures to remove Ama (half-digested bi-products) from the body. If Ama is not properly removed then there is a higher chance of complications during the detox. With the Vitality Now program, Kimmana has an online consult with each individual well before the program begins to determine the levels of Ama. If Ama is high then a specific diet and medicines are recommended to reduce the Ama before arriving. This saves time and money because removing Ama has fewer side effects and can be easily done at home by most individuals.
The second stage of Ayurvedic detox involves flooding the fluid systems with oil. This needs to be supervised and is done in the presence of Kimmana during the first 2-5 days of the detox. The Charak Samhita, the bible of Ayurveda, states that this period should last at least 2 days and no more than 7 days, giving the Vitality Now program ample time for this process.
The third stage of Ayurvedic detox involves purging the body of the doshas and this must be supervised. Ayurveda recommends 5 channels which can be used for pulling the doshas out; nose, gallbladder, colon, stomach (vomiting) and bloodletting. Of these five, the Vitality Now program uses three; the nose, gallbladder and colon. These three are the safest of the five and have the least side effects. If the stomach (vomiting) pathway is chosen then more time is needed for preparation and post-procedure, yet this is not needed for the majority of people because it is used to pull excess Kapha from the body. If you already know that Kapha is the dosha you need to remove, then maybe the Vitality Now program is not the most suited to you. Best to email Kimmana personally if you think Kapha is part of the problem for your condition.
The fourth stage of Ayurvedic detox is known as Rasayana, and is not about detoxifying but building the body up again. This stage has very low side effects and rarely needs to be supervised. At the end of the program, Kimmana will recommend Rasayana options for everyone. These can be purchased and undertaken as you see fit. It is strongly advised that you DO NOT fly home straight after the 7 days together and instead spend some time relaxing, rejuvenating and receiving a tonifying massage. The time needed for this varies from person to person and can be booked at the same resort or a nearby location. As it no longer requires the full-time assistance of Kimmana, your options are more open. This flexibility is most beneficial for younger people, or those on a budget, yet everyone can receive benefits from having a more free and open Rasayana period.

Q: Can I stay at a different place during the program that can suit my preference?

A: Unfortunately, we're unable to have offsite participants during the program, because:

We start the day really early in the morning, close to the sunrise. And end the day right before going to bed (for an evening herbs). If you stay within the venue, it will be easier for you to move between your room and when you need to join the program (or private session), without the need to travel or plan the day. When people go through detoxification process, it's not uncommon for them to lose a sense of time and find it difficult to organise their day.
Excess movement or travel during the program will increase Vata. Hence, disturb the detoxification process. Even worse, it might create a serious side effect. Therefore, we're not recommending people to stay offsite during the program.

CONTACT

Do you have an inquiry about our retreat or products? Or perhaps you'd like to contact us for other kind of inquiries? We're reachable through shop[at]kimmana[dot]com, or submit your message below:

Do you have an inquiry about our retreat or products? Or perhaps you'd like to contact us for other kind of inquiries?

We're reachable through shop[at]kimmana[dot]com, or submit your message below: