Spring cleaning doesn’t just mean tidying up around the house. In fact, it’s a term that can apply to cleaning up any space that has the potential to hold toxic waste. Your body, in essence, is also a “house” of sorts for your spirit, organs, bones, and muscles that accumulates waste over time and use.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, every major organ in the body
corresponds to a season and element. For example,
the liver’s season is spring and its element is wood. Working on a specific organ during its relevant season can boost the effects, since it is in rhythm with nature’s cycle.
What are the benefits of a liver cleanse?
1.
Can help clear skin problems. A liver cleanse can clear up your skin since the liver filters blood coming from the digestive tract and
detoxifies chemicals in the body. Whatever the liver doesn’t filter is then pushed out through the next filter—the skin—which is what causes acne and skin problems. A liver cleanse can help compensate for a liver that isn't performing optimally, thereby reducing the chance of toxins needing to be eliminated by the skin.
2.
Can help reduce anger. Did you know that the emotions of anger, resentment, frustration, and irritability are stored in the liver? When the liver’s qi (energy) is balanced, we are optimistic, friendly, and calm. Clearing out stagnant energy in the liver could help eliminate any residues of anger stored there from past trauma.
3.
Can help increase energy level. Everything we eat and drink passes through the liver for
filtering and elimination. Processed foods, medications, fats, and alcohol all tax our livers which can result in lethargy, sluggishness, and chronic fatigue. A liver cleanse can help the liver eliminate waste faster, which means purified blood with more oxygen that travels to your body and brain for increased energy.
4.
Can help decision making and planning. According to TCM, the
liver is associated with the wood element. The energy of wood is about growth, change and perseverance. Balancing wood energy in the liver through a cleanse can help open the channels that allow us to be the grand architects of our vision, purpose, and future and increase our strength to persevere.
How to Start a Cleanse
Remember, it is important to introduce your body to any detoxifying regimen gradually. If not handled properly, fasting or other extreme changes in diet can rob your body of essential nutrients, cause spikes in blood sugar and blood pressure, and exacerbate the anger and irritability.
List of Liver Toxins to AVOID or ELIMINATE
- Tobacco
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Sugar & high fructose corn syrup
- Processed grain
- High dose of vitamins
- Medications (e.g. cold medicines, pain killers, birth control etc.)
- Fatty foods
List of Liver Toning Foods & Drinks to LOVE and ADD
- Water
- Green, leafy veggies
- Whole grains
- Fresh fruits
- Detox teas
- Fiber
For a great regimen,
check out this Liver Flush Recipe here.
Spring is a time of action, change and rebirth. It’s a time that naturally carries an energy of movement and progress. There’s no time like spring when the weather is warmer and the sun is out to refresh and rejuvenate your liver to welcome the new season.