This time of year we are busy putting winter away, and looking forward to the clean that Spring brings. Greenhouses and gardens are getting cleaned up in preparation for a new garden, yards are getting raked and cleaned of the rotting leaves, pine needles and other garbage accumulated during the months of cold and dark, cars are getting washed, and in general, it’s clean up time! We so look forward to Spring and the fresh, newness that the season brings. But what about your body? Have you started cleaning it up from winter sluggishness, comfort eating (of usually the wrong foods), lots of sugar over the many holidays that Winter hails, and getting prepared for the freshness of Spring, internally?
Many cultures and religions have customs of fasting, or cleansing in the Spring. The Catholics practice Lent, several Eastern countries fast for 24-48 days, and in some states they even had a state fasting and prayers to “avert or repent for calamities such as plagues, earthquakes, crop failures, etc.” These fasts were all generally held just before Spring planting. In some cultures, when the dandelions appeared it’s time to take the bitter leaves and root and either fast on dandelion tea, or stir fry them for a cleansing meal.
After the relatively inactive days of winter, it just plain feels good to cleanse the body. Symptoms of needing a detox can include, fatigue, feeling sluggish, Winter weight gain, drowsiness after lunch, headaches, unexplained muscle aches, and even a coated tongue. Since Spring seems to be the natural time of year for detoxification, other symptoms such as acne, and coughs may appear as the body tries to rid the toxins.
Spring cleaning of the body can take many forms. Some people fast on teas or fresh squeezed vegetable juices for 1 to 3 days. Others will fast from everything but water for 24 hours. Most people prefer a much more structured 3 week cleanse (which is what I prefer). The cleanse we advise feeds the body as it cleanses. In the 21 Day Purification Program used in our office, you eat nothing but fresh fruits and vegetables, rice and lentils for 10 days. On day 11 you add chicken and fish. All 21 days you drink a protein drink with cruciferous greens (a necessary component for activating Phase II of the liver’s detoxification pathway), take some cleanse pills and fiber. The shake tastes wonderful and is incredibly sustaining. The average weight loss is 15 pounds.
Some people detoxify to lose weight, while others desire to maintain their weight. Both are accomplished depending upon the body. It is also important to note that most people experience incredible energy during this cleanse. Over the more than 30 years of supervising cleanses, this program has the least problems and is the easiest to do.
So the question is, are you “Spring cleaning” your body as well as your home?
© 2013 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
