Notice how our trees delight in letting go of what is unnecessary to carry into winter?
 
In Chinese medicine, autumn relates to the metal element, and specifically to our lungs and large intestine. It's a time of judgment, reflection, letting go of what is old and not serving us. Fall offers us a wonderful opportunity to lighten the burden that we might carry with us into winter -- both physically and emotionally. This makes fall the ideal time to free ourselves from old, outdated and harmful habits, thoughts and emotions and cleanse harmful toxins from our body, too.
 
Take a deep breath and fill your lungs with new, vital, life force energy. And then -- Let Go. 

 

Feels good, doesn't it? The process of our exhalation from the lungs is one of the most basic and meaningful biological activities in our body. It's also one of the most important means of detoxification we possess. We not only release carbon dioxide, but with the right intention, old (maybe even toxic) thoughts and emotions, too.

Of course, we also eliminate waste through the colon -- in a much more literal way! A colon that isn't functioning properly creates a whole host of problems, from constipation to irritable bowel syndrome -- but it's also a common manifestation of emotional imbalance and holding on to old and unhealthy "stuff".
 
Both of these biological processes are fundamental to our physical and emotional means of "letting go" -- and as we enter into fall, you might want to consider whether there is any excess weight, unhealthy habits or toxic emotions that you'd like to begin releasing. 

 

We aren't always aware of what we need to let go, and a gentle physical cleanse gives us an opportunity to release unhealthy "stuff" from our body, and as a result, become more in tune with what might also need to be released emotionally. 

 

On a practical level, a fall detox also primes our body for the challenges of winter and especially for the tendency toward stress and overindulgence during the holidays. Both aspects of cleansing can have a tremendous impact on our health, happiness, and wellbeing.

 

 
To start a gentle cleansing and preparation for the months ahead, focus on the basics of healthy eating during this fall season --

 

1.  Eliminate all processed foods. By processed I mean, most anything that you cannot obtain from the Farmer's Market or produce section of your local market. If something contains flour and comes in a box or bag ready to eat -- it's processed!!! Try to eat only what the earth has grown in its pure glory -- this miracle of Nature is like a love note from Creation! Fill yourself with our local bounty from a Farmer's Market.

 

 2. Increase your intake of hardy green leafy vegetables, like kale, collard greens and dandelion greens --  and boost your liquid consumption in the form of pure water, green smoothies, freshly made veggie juices, herbal and organic green teas, and homemade clear vegetable broths and soups.

 

3. Drink 16 - 24 oz of room-temperature or warm water with the juice of half a lemon upon rising in the morning to cleanse, re-hydrate, activate your liver and get your digestive juices ready for the day.

 

Need some help?? Grab a copy of my e-book, Cleanse Your Way to Health, Beauty and Longevity  for practical tips and guidance...it's only $12 and makes a wonderful gift to yourself or someone you love this fall season.