“Getting Started” (5-7 Days)
Reset routine, simplify diet, and prepare body, mind, and space for the cleanse ahead. Pūrva-karma — The sacred preparation before transformation.
“Before transformation, there is purification. Before purification, there is preparation. As I align my habits, my body remembers balance, and my spirit remembers peace.”
“Prepare your hearts for the Lord and serve Him only.” — 1 Samuel 7:3
Purpose & Overview
Before beginning any cleansing process, the body must be gently invited to cooperate. This phase clears superficial stagnation, grounds the nervous system, and builds the discipline and faith that sustain deeper detox. It is the moment to slow down, simplify, and align intentions.
Core Objectives
- Simplify — Reduce processed foods, caffeine, and cold/raw meals.
- Stabilize — Set consistent wake, sleep, and mealtimes.
- Hydrate — Begin each morning with warm water + lemon or ginger.
- Soothe — Oil the body (Abhyanga) at least 3 times this week.
- Spiritual Reset — Daily prayer or journaling to name what you’re releasing.
Daily Rhythm Example
| Time | Practice | Purpose / Focus |
| 6 am | Wake, offer gratitude | Anchor routine |
| 7 am | Warm lemon-ginger water | Stimulate agni |
| 8 am | Stewed fruit or oatmeal | Gentle nourishment |
| 12 pm | Simple balanced meal (rice, veggies, lentils) | Begin the transition to lighter food |
| 3 pm | Herbal tea (Tulsi-Fennel-Cinnamon) – pending | Stabilize energy |
| 6 pm | Light soup + reflection | Calm Vāta and Pitta |
| 9 pm | Warm spiced milk/tea or meditation | Build ojas, deepen rest |
Focus Foods
| Category | Favor | Reduce / Avoid |
| Grains | Oats, rice, quinoa | Wheat, heavy breads, pasta |
| Proteins | Mung dal, red lentils | Meat, eggs, cheese |
| Veggies | Steamed roots, squash, greens | Raw salads |
| Fruits | Cooked apples, pears, dates | Citrus (other than recommended), cold smoothies |
| Beverages/ other | Warm water, CCF tea, tea, other | Coffee, iced drinks, alcohol, sugar |
Key Herbs & Spices
- Ginger – Awakens sluggish agni
- Cumin + Coriander + Fennel (CCF) – Prepares lymph and digestion
- Triphala – Gentle nightly bowel regulation (½ tsp warm water)
- Tulsi – Clears mental fog, centers the heart
Lifestyle Focus
- Establish bedtime by 10 pm.
- Unplug from screens 30 min before sleep.
- Take a 20-minute walk outdoors daily, ideally Morning and Evening.
- Create a sacred cleansing corner (your sacred space, journal, or station).
Reflection Prompts
- What habits/routines no longer serve my peace?
- How can I make space for renewal this season?
- What does “simplicity” look like in my day?
“I prepare the ground for transformation. My routines become rituals of peace.”