Friday, March 26, 2010

Time for Spring Cleaning...inside and out!

Well, I think it's spring, even though at the moment I am watching the snowfall outside my back window! I see the bulbs peeking through my garden bed, looking a little confused, but yes, I'm pretty sure it's spring! During this season, we open the windows of our house to let the fresh air in, we clean out the car, our closets, have a yard sale to get rid of unnecessary junk. But what about our bodies? What would it feel like to rid ourselves of the excesses of the long winter, let the fresh air in and start fresh? It feels amazing, but it takes a bit more motivation and committment than just bagging up some old clothes! Spring time is the best time of the year to cleanse, and once you begin you will be so glad. It lightens up the body and the emotions. It lets us feel that we are starting fresh and clean for this beautiful time of renewal!

In Chinese Medicine, spring is ruled by the wood element, which are represented by the Liver and Gall Bladder Meridians. In the physical body, the Liver absorbs what can't be digested. It regulates the levels of fats and sugars in the blood and converts them into storage molecules when they over-burden the bloodstream. Examples of the excess that it collects is alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco and other drugs (prescription, over-the-counter and recreational), as well as pesticides and other chemicals that are in our food and heavy, greasy foods in general. When we ingest these foods in excess, the Liver becomes over-burdened and can compromise our ability to digest foods well, cause high blood pressure, weight gain and just a feeling of sluggishness & fatigue. This is very common in the early spring, after the condensing and storing time of the Water element in winter. During winter we tend to eat heavier foods, exercise less and maybe gain a few extra pounds. This is totally in line with the energy of that season, but as we enter the wood element, it is time to get moving!

The liver is also involved in the filtration of 'toxins' from the bloodstream, which is why if too many build-up, then there can be a slow down in the functioning of the Liver. Now, I am not a huge fan of the term 'toxin' because it somehow implies that maybe we are toxic. That is why instead of spring 'detox', I like the term Cleanse. When starting any journey of healing, I think it is very important to first embrace your wholeness. Do not start with the feeling that you are somehow toxic. Instead, go in to this cleanse, embracing your inner light, with intention for it to shine even brighter!

Spring is the most ideal time for cleansing the body. There are many ways to do this, from small simple changes, to dramatic long fasts. I am going talk about somewhere in the middle. I am not against Fasting, but it is not something that works for my body and lifestyle, and so I will not be addressing it. If you decide that you want to try a fast, I strongly encourage you to seek the support of an experienced health provider before embarking on it!

Cleansing is very natural and important for our bodies. In the spring, it is ideal to eat lighter than during the winter. In fact, this season is when we should eat the lightest of the year. Time for more vegetables, fruits, raw food if your digestion is ok with that and whole grains and beans (preferably sprouted). It is also a time for less heavy foods, such as red meat and slow cooked stews. This diet can be more cooling in nature than the warm diet of winter, so if you tend to run on the cold side, eat less raw vegetables and more steamed/cooked food instead.

The Nei Ching says, "The Liver craves the Sour Flavor." These food will help to nourish the Liver and are important during a spring cleanse. One of the easiest ways to start your spring cleaning is with Lemons and Water. Lemons have a sour flavor and an astringent quality. Meaning that they literally help squeeze impurities out of the organs and muscles (picture the scrunched up face of someone who has just sucked on a lemon). If you do nothing else this spring, go grab a big bag full of organic lemons (they were on sale today at Whole Foods, by the way) and squeeze generously in all of the water you drink for the next month! It is a great way to get your internal energy moving and cleanse the Liver at the same time.

An important part of a spring cleanse are the things that we are going to allow our bodies to take a break from. Notice, I said, take a break, not give up forever! I'll admit that I very much enjoy my morning cup of coffee and the occasional drink in the evening. I am a huge fan of moderation, and do not have an extreme diet. That being said, I do think that it is very healthy for our bodies to take a break from these things occasionally, so that our body can rejuvinate and rest from the work it takes to process these things.

Here is my list of things that I recommend taking a week or more off from this spring:

1. Coffee
2. Alcohol
3. Red Meat & Fatty meats in general
4. White sugar
5. Processed snack foods
6. Too much pasta, 'white' carbs
7. Too much dairy products
8. Tobacco

Looking at this list looks a little daunting, but remember, I didn't say to give it up forever...just a break so that your body can regain it's energy and optimal functioning...and maybe shed a few extra pounds too!

So what to eat during this week of cleansing?
1. Vegetables- as much as you would like!
2. Fruit
3. Juice- preferably from vegetables like carrot etc.
4. Whole Grains- oats, brown rice, quinoa etc.
5. Meats- fish, lean chicken
6. Sprouts
7. Plenty of 'healthy' fats like avacado, olive oil, nuts
8. Some kind of 'detox' tea
9. Lots of Lemon Water!!

This type of healthy cleanse is balanced, not overly extreme and feels so good! Look at the forecast before beginning and pick a week where is looks like the weather is going to be nice and sunny! This will add inspiration to feel good and get outside to exercise. Sweating is a great part of cleansing and so is taking deep breaths of fresh air.

It is also nice to have a partner in this endeavor, whether it be someone you live with, a co-worker or friend. It's helpful to have someone to keep you on track and inspired. Try for one week, and you may feel so good`that it turns into two...no pressure though!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Spring & the Wood Element













"The supernatural forces of spring create wind in Heaven and wood upon the Earth. Within the body they create the liver and the tendons; they create the green color...and give the voice the ability to make a shouting sound...they create the eyes, the sour flavor and the emotion anger."
--The Yellow Emporor's Classic of Internal Medicine


Spring is in the air and those of us who have been patiently waiting all winter long, couldn't be more ready! After a long winters rest, the power of springtime surges through nature and through us as well. We want to be outside, to take deep breaths of the sweet smelling air and move out the sluggishness of winter. There is so much to say about this season, and so many ways that we can grow and thrive with it. I am going to explore many ways to thrive during the spring, through diet, herbal medicine, exercise & yoga, cleansing, acupuncture & connecting with nature. I'll explore one of these topics each week, so we can go deeply into each one.

Wood is the element of Spring and it gives us the power of birth and renewal. It enables us to move forward with vision and a fresh start! In Chinese Medicine, we look to see what is happening in nature around us, and then, realizing that we are a part of nature, see how these similar dynamics are happening within us, on a physical, emotional and spiritual level as well. Looking at spring, we can see that it is a time of re-birth, of awakening from a slumber, increasing light & warmth (yang) and also a time for the planting of seeds. After the snow melts and the earth is no longer frozen, flowers and plants can begin to grow anew. We can take our cues from nature and plant some new seeds in our life, make some new plans and goals that will bear fruit and a plentiful harvest as the seasons progress. This is a great time of year to start new creative projects, eat fresh and vibrant foods and gently cleanse the body to start fresh with the season. It is the best time of year to look ahead at our path, and formulate new ideas, make decisions and determine our direction for the coming year...and to take action!

In Traditional Chinese medicine, the Wood element represents the liver and gall bladder. The Liver energy is all about making our plans, and the Gall Bladder gives the ability to make good decisions and judge wisely. If these are in balance, then growth and movement happen easily. Yet many times, people feel 'stuck' in their ability to have a clear vision, plan and sense of direction. This can lead to frustration and anger, which are the emotions of an out of balance Wood element.
This is very common in our culture where stress the norm and the time for creative projects and walks in the woods can be hard to squeeze in!

The climate associated with Wood is Wind. Wind has dynamic movement, is an agent for change and brings in new ideas and influences. It encourages and challenges the wood element to be flexible in its plans and fluid with the unpredictability of life. Physically, the wind can carry many of the illness of springtime, including the allergens that come with new growth. It can also enter the neck and upper back, causing stiffness and colds to enter. So, even though the warmth is exciting, don't put away your scarf too early. In fact, during the spring, try some light scarves to protect your neck from the elements that can still carry some of the remnants of the winter chill.

There is much to say about this exciting time of year, but lets walk through it slowly together so that the full power of this season can be fulfilled. Here are some suggestions for ways to step into the spring season and wood element.

*Begin the day early, with a fresh, brisk walk outside. I find that it can be hard to motivate to do this, but once outside, I am ALWAYS so glad to begin the day in this way!
*Begin some new things- at home, at work and in your self. Start a new craft, cook some different recipes, be open to the new!
*Have a clear vision for what you want to harvest. Spring is a strong, but short burst of time! Create some clear goals and go for it!