It is spring and time to emerge! This is the natural time of year when we want to expand. We don’t want to carry any old baggage on our new adventures. Harness the natural energy of this season to detox.
One of the ways Chinese medicine looks at the body and our external world is by associating seasons to the five elements (Spring/Wood, Summer/Fire, Late Summer/Earth, Fall/Metal, Winter/Water). And, each element is associated with an organ system.
Spring (the Wood phase) is connected to the Liver. It is the time of birth, expansion, and the color green. The emotion of spring is irritability. This is the feeling of wanting to evolve but feeling stuck.
The Liver is responsible for the smooth movement of Qi Energy throughout the body. When the Liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. An awakened liver will give you more energy, brighter eyes, and clearer skin. The liver is also responsible for our hormonal balance and must be addressed when we experience adrenal fatigue, PMS, peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms.
Nutrition Tips:
Restore and awaken the liver by incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables especially green and sour flavored ones. This will send the signal to your body that it is time to detox the accumulation from heavy winter meals. Fiber is key, it binds cholesterol, excess hormones, fat, and toxins and sends them through the digestive tract. The following foods are exceptional this time of year as they are high in fiber and also harness the potent energy of spring: artichokes, green peas, pears, broccoli, kale, leeks, and limes.
Skincare Tips (from the inside out):
Now is the time to exfoliate the skin, giving it a fresh start. This should be approached externally as well as internally for a complete detoxification. This will allow your skin to build a strong and healthy barrier heading into summer.
Release toxins and clear congestion externally through mild sweat, exfoliating scrubs, and herbs such as gou qi zi (goji berries) that moisten the skin while nourishing the liver.
And, treat your skin from the inside out!. Start the day with a room temperature glass of water with fresh juice from half of a lemon, lime or grapefruit.
Look for supplements with key internal herbs that help the liver function optimally, such as, dāng guī and bái sháo (white peony), and dandelion leaf/root. These herbs help blood circulation, keep bowels moving, and regulate menstruation. All of these attributes are essential to detoxifying.
Pivotal Body Scrub with pomegranate oil and goji berries, exfoliates dry skin and delivers high amounts of nutrient rich skin revitalizing properties. Goji berry builds the skin barrier to prevent dehydration, fine lines and wrinkles through its high amount of beneficial fatty acids. Skin healing Mother of pearl helps clear and brighten complexion.
Skin Glow promotes glowing skin from the inside out by restoring the internal functions of our body on a physical and energetic level. The herb ophiopogon (mai men dong) deeply nourishes and moisturizes skin, but also calms emotions and decreases vaginal dryness while cooling inflammation. The herb dāng guī helps with circulation. And, bái sháo (white peony) calms the liver and regulates hormones and helps decrease hyperpigmentation. Evodia fruit, known to decrease inflammation, brings luminosity to the skin.