Many of my clients ask me why I create seasonal detoxes ?
I do so because I believe Mother Nature gives us the necessary bounty we need each season to naturally cleanse our body. By detoxing seasonally, we are able to balance our hormones, purify our bodies and naturally rebuild our cells. Seasonal detoxification allows us to harmonize our bodies emotionally and physically with the earth.
Each season also gives us an opportunity to honor different organs. The Winter Solstice officially begins on December 21st and is a time to go deep within to restore your soul. Winter supports, naturally detoxifies and nourishes the kidneys, bladder and adrenal system. Although your liver works hard daily with every other organ in your divine body, the kidneys’ role in detoxification is huge because it filters out waste. In Chinese medicine, the kidneys relate to fear, and can become stressed if you have constant fear or anxiety in your life. If the kidneys are stressed and cannot filter the waste, the body will become acidic, electrolytes will be imbalanced and toxins will be expelled through the skin. This can cause swelling, rashes and other skin conditions. Winter also supports the bladder. If your bladder is overburdened as waste comes through your urinary tract system, you may have an overgrowth of yeast or experience chronic bladder infections. Winter is also a time to honor your adrenal system. The adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys, affect kidney function and produce important hormones including:
- Cortisol, which helps regulate blood sugar, metabolism and your body’s stress response
- Aldosterone, which regulates blood pressure
- Adrenaline, which prepares the body to respond to a “fight or flight” situation
When your adrenals are stressed, you can experience:
- A weakened immune system
- Low stomach acid
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Waking up multiple times during the night or inability to stay asleep
- Constant sugar cravings
- Bags under the eyes
- Food or environmental allergies
- Imbalances of minerals that are key for detoxification and metabolism
Some of my clients have poor sleep, lower back pain and constant sugar cravings. If you crave sugar constantly or salt in the afternoon around 4 pm, then it is time to give your adrenals some love and attention, and the winter season is the perfect time to do so.
