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!
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