Volume 2 Issue 1
Spring 2007 Spring Cleaning & Cleansing
Springtime is traditionally the time for spring cleaning. It is the time for getting rid of the old to make way for the new. I recommend that each of us take the time to prepare a program for cleansing our body, mind, spirit and house. As you look at your current life situation, ask yourself what toxins can be released.
The body is the first and most obvious place to begin. Each of us has hundreds of chemical toxins stored in our cells and tissues. Many are organic chemicals that tend to concentrate in fatty tissue. A powerful detoxification program combines bowel cleansing, liver support and weight loss. The first step is to clean up the food being eaten so that new toxins are minimized. Start by eating only organic whole foods, preferably mostly green vegetables and fruit. Bowel elimination needs to be working well. If you are not having 2 or more bowel movements daily, I recommend an herbal laxative. One good brand is Cleansemore by Renew Life.
The last step is to take supplements to increase your liver’s ability to chemically alter and excrete toxins. A variety of supplements can do this; among them are milk thistle, lipoic acid, and n-acetyl cysteine. Many companies make good products that are combinations of substances that support increased liver detoxification. One brand I recommend is SP Cleanse by Standard Process.
It is important to drink plenty of water to help flush toxins. Saunas can also help remove toxins through the sweat and exfoliating skin cells. If you have any significant health problems, it is best to do a spring detoxification under the guidance of a qualified health professional. The length of time can be from one day to 3 or 4 weeks. Water only or juice fasts are more stressful and difficult and should only be done under experienced supervision.
As you prepare the detoxification program, I strongly recommend that you also look at any mental beliefs that may be causing you difficulties in your life. If your life is not full of peace, love, harmony and prosperity, it is very likely that unconscious beliefs and thoughts that were programmed into your mind at an early age are blocking your ability to create these conditions. There are a large number of books, programs, seminars, retreats and techniques that can help you identify and change these beliefs. See the Integrative Medicine topic “Meaning Shift” on my website for more information.
Our environment has profound effects on our health. This is especially true of any products that we apply to our body or use to clean our house. Cosmetics and body care products are not tested and evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Many of the chemicals being used in these products are unsafe or potentially dangerous. I recommend that you replace at least one of your soaps, shampoos, mouthwashes, toothpastes or similar products with one containing organic, nontoxic ingredients. I also recommend that you replace one or more of your household cleaning products with safer ones. See the Integrative Medicine topic on Persistent Organic Pollutants for more information.
On a Personal Note
I believe that spiritual growth is a necessary part of the human experience. When this growth is blocked or denied, it often leads to tremendous suffering of all kinds. The epidemic of depression in American culture is often due to stunting of spiritual growth. Growth in spirit leads to a sense of connection to the earth, to other living creatures, and to other humans. It leads to a sense of purpose and meaning in life. A spiritually alive person has compassion for themselves and for all human beings.
As an exercise in cultivating spirit, I invite you to release any anger, hatred, and resentment or ill will you are feeling towards another person. Forgiveness has great power to transform both you and the other person.
Daniel Blodgett MD