By Shahnaz Husain
Many of our religious rituals and festivals are based on fasting, like Navratri. Actually, fasting during festivals is said to renew our spiritual energy, while the fast and special diet renews the body too, by cleansing the system. Fresh fruits, fresh fruit juices, sprouts, nuts, taken during fasts provide high nutrition and also help to detoxify the system. The sages of ancient India, with their powers of higher consciousness, knew that controlled fasting should be followed. Fasting and eating specific foods, help to remove the accumulation of wastes and improves the functioning of the nerves, soothing them and bringing about relaxation and mental well-being.
However, a total fast by drinking only water is not advocated. Raw juices can be taken, but they should be diluted with water. Avoid tea, coffee, canned juices and aerated drinks. Instead, have juices of fresh fruits and vegetables, to which water must be added. Vegetables and fruits contain valuable vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants and other elements that actually aid the process of cleansing the system. If these are taken in juice form, they are easily assimilated and the digestive system gets a much-needed rest.
There are enough fruits and vegetables to choose from – oranges, apples, pineapples, papaya, carrots, tomato, cucumber, etc. Dilute the juices suitably with water and add lemon juice for taste. Apart from juices, have buttermilk, coconut water and nimbu paani to keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water too. The special salt taken during Navratri is actually beneficial to health. It helps the absorption of nutrients. Having Kuttu flour, instead of normal cereals, also help cleansing and nutrition, as it contains protein. You can also do deep breathing exercises (like yogic pranayam) and meditation.
Massage treatments are popular during Navratri at our salons. These include head and body massage. The massages help to get rid of toxins, induce relaxation, tone up muscles and improve blood circulation. You can have a rejuvenating body treatment at home.
First, massage the body with sesame seed (til) oil. Then apply body pack. “Ubtan” or body packs can be made at home for body care, consisting of wheat bran (choker), gram flour (besan), curd or cream of milk (malai) and a pinch of turmeric (haldi). Mix together and apply on body, before bathing. Wash off during bath to clear away the dead cells and make the skin soft and smooth.
About Shahnaz Husain
Shahnaz Husain, pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, heads the Shahnaz Husain Group, with a global network of franchise ventures and 375 Ayurvedic formulations. A Case Study at Harvard for Brand Creation, she is now a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets” She was honored with the Padma Shri Award and is the first woman in 105 years to receive the World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award from Success, the U.S. business magazine. Indeed, Shahnaz Husain is a leading international beauty icon.’
