Personal Spring Cleaning

There's a good reason why so many of us do "spring cleaning" in our homes right around now.  Getting rid of the old stuff can be tremendously liberating.  In fact, just writing this makes me want to take out everything in my closets right now and exhuberantly toss it!  You (and I) may not need to do anything so dramatic, but it feels pretty darn good to give your home at least a once over and get rid of some of the dregs.    

Besides being prime time to clean out your closets, files, and the nooks and crannies of your home, spring is also a great time to clean out your body.  We've all been in "hibernation" mode all winter--hunkering down, eating heavier, warming foods, perhaps being less physically active than we are at other times of the year.  You may want to do some sort of cleanse at the beginning of the new season.  This doesn't have to be dramatic either--you don't need to fast to have an effective cleanse.  

A simple way to cleanse for spring is to switch to a super clean diet for a week.  This means taking a break from things like processed foods, coffee or other caffeinated beverages, sweets or sweetened foods, and heavy foods like meat and dairy.  Try eating mostly vegetables, small amounts of fruits, and whole grains during this time, with small amounts of animal protein (chicken or fish) if you need it.  Organic wherever possible.  This will give your body a chance to clear out toxins and give your digestive system a rest from working so hard to digest more complex foods.  Be sure to stay well hydrated -- filtered water, or herbal teas -- to help flush out accumulated toxins from your organs and tissues.   

As part of this simple cleanse, you can also try not eating after 5 or 6 pm.  This gives your liver, which functions to detoxify the body, the chance to work uninterrupted overnight without the stress of additional food.  Experiment with eating your main meal of the day at lunchtime instead of dinnertime, and then have a light snack in the early evening.   

If you'd like to make your cleanse even more efficient and effective, consider adding a cleanse or detox formula to your purification week.  Here's one I have worked with that's really gentle:

Nutriclean 7-Day Cleanse & Detox System.

While you're cleansing your body, don't forget your mind and spirit!  Take some time for yourself during this week to relax, renew your meditation/yoga/tai chi/qigong practice, take some long walks, or do something creative.  Getting the cobwebs out of the mind is just as important as cleansing the body--to make room for new ideas, projects, relationships, and inspiration.   

Make some notes for yourself during the course of your cleanse about how you're feeling, what changes you're noticing, and what gets challenging for you.  If you enjoy journaling, this is a prime opportunity to learn more about yourself.   

In keeping with the gentleness of the cleanse, remember to be gentle with yourself.  Transitions can be a vulnerable and tricky time, as we leave something behind and turn toward something new.  Have fun with it!  Don't forget to laugh if it gets hard -- that's cleansing too. 

ABOUT ME  

I am a Licensed Massage Therapist, Holistic Health Coach, and Certified Qigong Instructor.  I work with clients individually or in groups to connect with their bodies and vital energies, learn how to eat and live well, address health issues naturally and holistically, and set up their lives for optimum health and happiness.  I also work with health professionals within their practice to expand wellness services that their clients are already looking for.  

Nutrition, diet, and bodywork, along with exercise, mind-body awareness, stress management, nutritional supplements and detoxification have transformed my life, helping me to heal from rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, allergies, and digestive problems.  I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and especially that experience of transformation and empowerment with you. 

I'm pleased to offer a full range of wellness services:

• Clinical and Process Acupressure -- for general relaxation, pain, headaches, digestive problems, insomnia, stress management, emotional balance and more.
• Health & Nutrition Coaching -- weight management, auto-immune illnesses, digestive problems, food sensitivities, prevention of diabetes, heart disease, etc.
• Nutritional Supplements -- tailored for your unique health needs
• Self-Care Techniques such as Chakra Tai Chi and the Seva Stress Release
• Medical Qigong -- individual and group classes, or individual healing sessions   

Warmly,

www.powerlifebalance.com

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