Tapping into our innate strength and energy after a long winter is difficult. The winter requires us to go within, to cocoon and to rest. This winter’s rest is essential for preparing for the renewal of spring, much like a germinating seed. However, if we have been eating congesting foods, spending less time in nature, and moving less we may have trouble accessing the strength and energy we need to enter this time of action, change, and rebirth.

The spring solstice is a pivotal time of year in nature bringing light and warmth signalling growth and change. Spring is a time of great energy and renewal. Humans are part of nature and we are capable of living by natural rules. A spring detoxification is a time when we allow our cells and organs to restore themselves and to rejuvenate much like nature restores to its full beauty and radiance.

“Ignorance of how to live in accordance with nature may be our greatest disease.” Elson M Haas

Spring is also the time of the wood element in Chinese medicine. The wood element exemplifies the energy of growth, movement and change. The organs of the wood element are the liver and gallbladder. As we shift from Yin – cold, slow inward energy to Yang -warm, active outward energy we need to prepare ourselves by supporting, healing, and nourishing our liver and gallbladder so we can enter this time of renewal with an inner strength and stability.

Our liver is our great detoxifier and has more than 500 distinct functions. This makes the liver one of the most important organs for overall health and well-being. The liver and gallbladder play key roles in digestion.

Signs of an under-active liver:

Body: Swelling, phlegm, stiff muscles, joint or tendon pain, sluggishness, fatigue, bloating, constipation, acne, headaches, weight gain.

Mind: Frustration, anger, stress, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.

Spring Liver Cleanse:

Liver Loving Foods

Welcome green

The symbol for the wood element is the color green. Green foods contain chlorophyll which enhances liver function, key to detoxification. Chlorophyll has antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effects. It also improves digestion by encouraging growth of healthy bacteria relieving bloating and gas. Chlorophyl may assist in removing toxins, heavy metals, and waste products from the blood.

Drink plenty of green juices and include broccoli, kale, micro greens, sprouts, avocado, artichoke, lime, cucumber, leeks, Brussel sprouts, and asparagus into your routine.

Stop the congestion

Avoid:

Heavy greasy foods like french fries, and potato chips, animal meats, cheese, muffins, cakes, cookies

Alcohol

Include:

Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Grapefruit, lemon, beets, carrots, cabbage, and apples.
Bitter leafy greens promote natural detoxification which regulates cholesterol, balances hormones, and detoxifies the blood. Radicchio, dandelion greens, kale, and mustard greens are great choices to add to salads.
Walnuts. Packed with glutathione a powerful antioxidant to assist with liver cleansing.
Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans) and alternative grains like quinoa.
Healthy fats like cold water fish and olive oil on salads, and avocados.

Say NO! to toxins

Processed foods are packed with chemicals and additives the liver has to process. Eliminate as many of these toxins from your diet. Washing your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming and cooking simple meals at home is the best way to avoid chemicals.

Flush your system

Consume plenty of pure filtered water, bone broth, herbal teas, and green juices or smoothies. Your urine should be light in color and you should visit the toilet often.

Spring into Action

Move your body

Move your stuck energy through exercise! Going for walks in nature is the perfect choice for the wood element.

Declutter

Get things done! The wood energy of spring asks us to rise up and push through. Spring clean your environment and create a space that helps you stay focused and productive.

Create your vision

Embody spring’s expansiveness and reflect on what you want more of less of in your life. Holding on to anger or frustration stagnates our energy, keeping us stuck and unable to move forward. It may be time to consider what triggers these emotions and to decide whether it’s time to let go.

Super Charge your Self Care:

Lymphatic lift

Stimulating our lymphatic system is the best way to clean up and remove toxins from our body.

Abdominal lymphatic drainage massage: removes excess fluid buildup and toxins. Gently sculpting, this treatment alleviates bloating, water retention, and improves digestion.

Flowpresso: A full body treatment to eliminate toxins through gentle compression and infrared heat.

Detox drips

Vitamin IV therapy can help to improve hydration, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, enhance energy, support detoxification, and improve mood. IV therapy delivers high dose nutrients directly into your bloodstream allowing for quicker and more effective absorption.

Sweat it out

The deep sweat you get during an infrared sauna session detoxifies your whole body leaving you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and radiant.

Spring Cleanse

Spring is the time to eliminate any blockages that keep us from moving forward with a clear sense of purpose and vision. March is the best time to cleanse and support the liver. A spring cleanse can be anywhere from 10 days to several weeks. Eating nourishing and toxin free foods, eliminating alcohol, exercising more, and supporting your emotional health can be a life long journey. A simple cleanse is the perfect starting point for a healthier lifestyle, and there’s no better time to begin than now!

Book a spring cleanse with our team at Vitality BioMed to kick off the season ahead the right way.