Why Spring for a cleanse?

​Why do we do our big cleanse in the Spring and not the New Year?
Holistic Medicine is guided by the principles of harmony and integration. Your body, mind and spirit is more likely to integrate a release and rejuvenation in the during the very late winter and into spring than it is in the middle of winter. Our bodies respond to the temperature and light cycles that we are living in, as the light of the day increases and temperatures warm, our oxygen uptake increases, our production of D3 increases which elevates mood and supports robust digestion. This Big Spring Cleanse takes about 3 weeks and is the only time that fasting may be recommended for health. Fasting is not appropriate for all constitutions and is only included in the cleanse if it is appropriate and and an individual is beginning the cleanse at optimal health. The Holistic Cleanse is not about losing weight, getting skinny or depriving yourself in anyway, the Holistic Spring Cleanse is a mind body spirit clearing of what no longer suits you, to make room and set a foundation for the practices that nurture and align your body mind and heart.

Here is a general format of the guiding principles:

Week 1
Nutrition to prepare and fortify the liver
Pranayama (breath work) to fortify the liver and mind
Meditation to soothe and fortify the mind
Movement to rejuvenate Prana and prepare the body for release

Week 2
Nutrition to gather and release what is no longer needed from the intestines
Pranayama to warm, stir and release what is no longer sustainable in the mind and heart
Meditation to foster the friendship of mind and breath
Movement to warm and expel what is no longer valuable to the body, mind and spirit

Week 3
Easy nutrition, allowing the body empty (may include one day of fasting)
Pranayama to balance and harmonize the subtle layers of being
Meditation to nurture the friendship of mind and breath
Gentle movement to harmonize the body, mind and spirit

The details of nutrition, pranayama, meditation and movement are specific to each individual’s constitution, level of health and present need for change or development. Nutrition may include specific foods, or behaviors such as consuming only broth after dinner if hungry. Pranayama may include such practices and Nadi Shodana or Agni Sara. Meditation is always breath centered and aimed at embodiment but may also include mantra or affirmations (these are two separate tools). The movement of the Holistic Spring Cleanse is guided by what your body and mind enjoys and your level of practice, may include walking, yoga, dancing, biking, etc. The most important thing to remember about this Holistic Spring Cleanse is to cultivate an inner landscape of love, compassion, fortitude and courage to joyfully let go of what no longer suits you and powerfully stride towards your best life.