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Cleansing
The element of spring is wood, according to classical chinese medicine, and the idea time to attend to the liver and gallbladder. These organs can be treated specifically with herbs, or in conjunction with an intestinal cleanse. I recommend Arise and Shine, which emphasizes raw foods. After doing this intensive cleanse, even if you choose a 7 day program, you will be reminded of foods authentic flavors, unburdened by heavy seasoning or processing. I personally do not recommend the ‘Master’ cleanse, which for most people is far too extreme and can produce highly adverse reactions. Only unless you are already relatively ‘pure’, or highly disciplined, is this approachable. Additionally, Young Living has excellent products to assist cleansing the whole body and specific organs.
Have you ever heard the phrase “you are full of shit” ? Well, most of us literally are. Notice elderly people who appear healthy or within a normal weight range, yet have a full gut. Over time, from poor nutrition or poor eating habits, the body no longer fully processes or digests what we put in. Assimilation and elimination become compromised from eating non-foods of the highly processed, modern variety, mindless eating, improper or lack of chewing thoroughly, or simply overeating. So even if we look at cleansing on this purely physical level, and knowing how prevalent colon cancer is in America, it is wise to ‘clean house’ at least once a year, if not seasonally. [A cleanse in the winter would be quite different that in spring, but that’s another article] Many disciplines agree that true health requires a fully functioning digestive system, and most dis-ease can be traced to a lack of assimilation/elimination.
Additionally, the following actions greatly assist cleansing: dry brushing for lymphatic flushing, hydro-colon therapy [enemas, coffee in particular for the liver], neti pot nasal cleansing, gall-bladder flushing, meditation, restorative yoga and sauna. Often when these cleansing actions are taken to restore the body, one begins to examine their external environment, relationships, and deeper intentions as well.
Obviously, there are not only physical results to cleansing, but mental, emotional, and spiritual. We become more aware of our negative mind states, and are mindful of how we speak to ourselves and others. We may purge distressing emotional states, or become more fluid in moving through them with less attachment. Our physicality even becomes less important as we rediscover our essential, spiritual nature. Furthermore, as we gain those sorts of insights, through direct experience such as meditation, we remember how important it is to care for ourselves physically.
In preparing to cleanse, you might consider cleaning out your refrigerator and pantry of things you are fasting from, and want to discontinue after the fast. A cleanse is not a quick fix to weight issues or otherwise, but part of a sustainable transition from the overwhelming toxicity of modern life to a more traditional, whole foods based diet. There are many avenues to eating well, and it is best to discover your individual constitution and needs. This way, slow gradual steps replace ‘bad’ habits over time, resulting in more conscious awareness of what we consume, from foods to beliefs to ‘stuff’ we buy and fill our lives with.
The results of cleansing can be life changing. Excess weight is lost, inflammation goes down, pain diminishes, skin becomes bright, and our thought, words, and actions become more aligned. From a purified space, moving forward with clarity becomes a possibility. It is in the place of purity where we can reconnect with our own trusted inner guidance.
It is critical to rest, drink plenty of water, and reduce stimulus such as watching the news, during a fast. If you have medical conditions, are pregnant, or have not fasted/cleansed before it is prudent to seek counsel from your physician or ND. Even if you do not undergo a formal cleanse, the body will begin its own natural healing process when unburdened from any regularly used food or drink, so simply eliminating one strong element, such as meat, dairy, coffee, or alcohol, can often produce a gentle cleansing response as well.
Over time, you may choose to integrate cleansing on a more regular basis. Traditionally, Monday is the day of the week associated with fasting.
Resources:
Healing with Whole Foods, Paul Pitchford
The Yoga of Herbs, Dr. D Frawley and Dr. V Lad
Cleanse and Purify Thyself, Richard Anderson, ND, NMD
