Winter Detoxification

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Good Morning!

 

Winter Detoxification

 

Detoxifying is the process of releasing accumulated toxins and waste

products that build up throughout our system. From birth, we are

bombarded by toxins, externally from environmental sources.

Internally, our organs give off waste products that accumulate in our

body. Imbalanced emotions also play a part in polluting our system

with excess chemicals such as free radicals, homocysteine and

cortisol.

 

Detoxifying is, in many ways, an easy process. Our body does much of

the detoxification process through urination, defecation and

perspiration. As our bodies age and our immune systems weaken from

illness, poor diet and/or addictive substances, we sometimes need to

give our system an extra helping hand. That is why conscious detoxing

is great way back to optimum health.

 

One of the best ways to start your detoxification is with the body's

biggest organ, the SKIN. A detox diet strengthens the organs involved

in detoxification and releases stored toxins, expelling them through

the organs of elimination: the skin, as well as the intestines,

liver, lungs, kidneys, and lymphatic system.

 

 

TIPS FOR DETOXING

 

1. Eating a diet that focuses on fresh vegetables and fruits.

 

2. Eat whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.

 

3. Adopt a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise.

 

4. Avoiding drugs and alcohol.

 

5. Taking a high potency multiple vitamin and mineral supplement.

 

6. Take nutritional/herbal supplements to protect and enhance liver

function.

 

7. Go on a three day fast, four times per year.

 

8. Fasting at the change of the seasons is a good rule to remember.

 

9. Take care of your skin and know your skin type.

 

10. Consider a self empowering affirmation to clear your mind.

 

 

Traditional detoxifies the body system through the organs,

primarily:

 

The Lung and Large Intestine

In TCM, the lungs are an organ system that opens directly to the exterior. It's

function is to regulate and control the breath through inhalation and

exhalation. Because of its opening through the nose, the lungs are easily

susceptible to cold, heat, dryness, dampness, and most of all, heat and wind.

This can effect the biggest organ of the body; the skin. The lung is closely

related to the large intestine. The large intestine controls the transformation

of digestive wastes from liquid to solid state and transports the solids onwards

and outwards. It plays a major role in the balance and purity of bodily fluids

and assists the lungs in controlling the skin's pores and perspiration. It

depends on the lungs for movement via the expansion and contraction of the

diaphragm, which works like a pump to give impetus to peristalsis by regulating

abdominal pressure. The lungs expel toxins through breathing, especially deep

breathing. Deep breathing stimulates lymphatic flow, which eliminates toxins.

The skin eliminates waste and toxins through perspiration. The colon eliminates

toxins from the liver and digestive tract. The lungs are our attachment to the

breath of life and the large intestines is it's buddy. Incorporate deep

breathing and exercise along with a tall glass of psyillium husk to get things

moving.

 

The Liver and Gallbladder

In TCM, the liver is the " farmer who cultivates " . It stores blood, governs and

regulates the blood, organizes the " free flow " of Qi energy to promote

circulation which cultivates our emotions, soothes digestion, regulates

menstruation and bile secretion. The liver changes harmful toxins into

substances, which can be eliminated safely the colon or kidneys. The liver is

our master cleansing organ and the gall bladder is its mate. Enjoy a tall glass

of water with a 1/2 lemon squeezed into it.

 

The Spleen and Stomach

In TCM, the spleen transports and transforms food and body fluids for

transporting, for absorption, raises the body energy and controls the blood by

keeping it in the vessels. When improper function occurs with the Spleen there

is weight gain, high cholesterol, hypertension, bleeding disorders, dampness and

a heavy sensation, muscle weakness and atrophy. The blood and lymphatic system

transport waste and toxins to other areas for elimination, including cellular

waste. The stomach is the center of our 'gut feelings' our immune system center

and the spleen (pancreas) is it's associate. Eat the cleanest, purest foods,

that are the least processed. Enjoy health probiotics found in yogurt and

acidophilus. Avoid greasy, fried foods.

 

The Kidneys and Bladder

In TCM, the kidneys store our essence or the basic materials that make up our

constitution and the reproductive fluids that create life. All organs are

dependent on the Kidneys for proper growth, reproduction, water flow and control

and the balance of " fire and water " . The liver sends water soluble waste to the

kidneys, where they are further filtered and passed through the bladder for

elimination. The kidneys filter nutrients and waste from the blood. The kidneys

are our major filter and the bladder is it's friend. Boil 4 cups of water and a

handful of corn silk. Drink this tea for amazing results.

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/detox.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit