This February there will be a unique opportunity at ESY to participate in a 14 day cleanse program utilizing yoga and ayurveda in the cleansing process. Craig Williams has compiled this program and will present a free lecture on the theory behind the cleanse. We have received a few questions from folks interested, so here are responses for all to read.
Most people have heard of cleansing or detoxification, how does this program differ from the usual cleansing programs?
CW-The unique aspect of this program is that is will utilize a method which will plant seeds of healing deep within the body AND the mind of the participant rather than just being a “two week cleanse”. We will provide the tools necessary for deep and lasting transformation rather than just a temporary “fix”. It is also unique in that it unites two powerful sciences: Ayurveda and Yoga. This combination allows for a powerful program that can address body, mind and spirit and allow the participant to become a co-creator in their own health and healing.
First timers feel slightly anxious about the thought of cleansing, do you have any advice for those that have never tried a cleanse program before?
CW-Its natural for people to be hesitant and nervous about cleansing as so many programs are needlessly extreme and sometimes even dangerous. This program is gentle, safe, and provides a map for a lifetime of health and balance. You won’t be required to drastically adjust your daily life, however we will examine areas where we might be planting seeds of disease in our daily routine which can cause significant problems in the long term if not addressed. My personal vision for this cleanse is for short term AND long term healing. This might require adjustment and change, two very frightening words to many individuals! But one of the most imporant foundations for long term health is flexibility in how we view the world and in our reactions to the world.
If students have physical limitations will the yoga posture part of the cleanse be possible for them?
CW-Yoga asanas performed in the right context can be an excellent compliment to a cleansing protocol and we will explore various methods to ultilize asanas in this manner. However this does not require strenuous or dangerous programs. If someone has physical limitations, asanas can easily be adjusted or modified. Remember, we have to be flexible in all approaches!! Its also important to remember that the ultimate goal of asana is to create stillness in the mind and body, not to be an ego driven exercise progr One of the most important and unique aspects of this cleanse is that is will address the mind as well as the body. We hold toxins in many levels, not just the physical level. In reality, many people suffer from more psychological disease than physical ailments. And psychological malaise and toxins can become the catalyst for future physical ailments if not addressed. We have a body which is mechanistic, but we are not machines. Ayurveda stresses that the majority of diseases start with the mind and to completely address deep healing we must examine our minds and the “diet” we feed our mind. We are what we eat, think and believe for better or worse. Ayurveda and Yoga provide powerful tools for balancing, cleansing and transforming our minds allowing us to lead a life of creativity and independence which is the key to true vitality and health. We will provide tools and methods from Yoga and Ayurveda which will allow participants to examine what builds up their minds and how food can be more than just a physical substance. We “eat” images, thoughts, and emotions. If one does not address this aspect of healing, cleansing will be shallow and fleeting.
The strength of combining the systems of Ayurveda and Yoga is that is provides a method which can address each individual in their unique biochemical and physical individuality rather than treating a person as a standardized statistic.
How complex will the food sourcing and preparation be?
CW-Its my vision for this program not to be a boring mono-diet approach. We will provide significant options for food choices and examine various options for participants to utilize. We will not be fasting or forcing participants to eat food they dislike. This type of approach can actually cause more harm than good. We will emphasize ways to prepare foods, ways to ultilize common and unique spices, specific timing of meals, optimum foods to support safe and effective cleansing and address seasonal eating routines. I want people to walk away from this program realizing that food is their medicine!
With an ayurvedic emphasis, will there be dosha (body type) specifics for the cleanse?
CW-One of the most important aspects of Ayurveda is the characteristic of Doshic methodology which targets the unique bio-chemical / psycho-physiological expression of each person. However for each Dosha to function in a balanced manner, our digestion must be balanced and functioning in an appropriate manner. This is extremely important to keep in mind when approaching cleansing. The herbs and protocols we use in this program will address this issue for every Dosha and target each Dosha in its foundation: digestion. If a participant has a specific unique condition, I can address this and make specific suggestions / modifications.
Our 14 day program runs from February 11-24 with Registration due by February 5th. To register either call 512 779 8543 or online at www.eastsideyoga-austin.com




