Seasonal Organ Relief and Elimination
Updated: Feb 4, 2022
After returning from a whirlwind vacation full of indulgences, I always feel the need to incorporate a dietary cleanse to bring my body, mind and spirit back into balance. This process is also ideally practiced 2-4 times a year at the change of the seasons. A quick diet and lifestyle clean up for 3-7 days can make a world of difference in your energy and mental clarity.
The Idea
The idea is to give your digestive system and other organs of elimination a break. The simple relief from breaking down and eliminating toxic components like heavy processed ingredients and alcohols can aid in cleaning out waste while allowing your body’s energy reserves to build up and focus on other areas of healing. Our organs of elimination are the lymphatic system, kidneys, intestines, lungs, and skin. While each one is highly efficient at it’s job when in good health, they all can use a break at times.
The Process
If you have never done anything like this before, start slow. Try even only adding warm lemon water each morning, and dry skin brushing before your shower each day. As you build up the ability to go a little further, try only consuming healthy liquids for one day. For example, herbal tea, clear broth, and lemon water. Another practice that can be helpful is only taking in freshly pressed organic vegetable juices. At the very least eating simple salads with lemon juice dressing, or lightly steamed vegetables with a sprinkle of sea salt or lemon juice.
Remember to include relaxation and meditation during these times of organ relief and elimination. Incorporate light exercise like yoga, tai chi, qi gong, or meditative walking which helps by bringing in healthy oxygen throughout your circulation, and promotes gentle perspiration. Taking warm baths with epson salts and ancient mineral salts helps to increase perspiration and release cellular waste through the elimination pathway of the skin. Always end a warm bath with a quick cold shower to revitalize the entire body.
Precautions
If you have chronic conditions, please always check with your naturopathic physician or integrative/functional physician before starting an elimination program. There are many ways to do this safely and effectively even with certain chronic conditions. Enjoy this process. Be kind to yourself, as these practices not only help with physical health but also mental and spiritual. They allow for healthy introspection and personal growth.