Fasting, Cleansing & Healing

Fasting, Cleansing & Healing
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Fasting and cleansing are interconnected as each supports the other through the process of detoxification. When diet and lifestyle adjustments are incorporated to support detoxification, the body, mind, and spirit are elevated to invoke your innate natural healing abilities. Consider detoxifying with the support of fasting techniques, healing foods, herbal teas, relaxing yoga postures and mind-body rituals. Always consult your doctor before making any lifestyle adjustments.

Fasting

Fasting is the practice of abstaining from some or all food, drink or particular practice. Fasting is a deliberate act that is used based upon individual conditions. If done correctly, fastening can serve as a tool for enlightenment or transcendence from a daily situation. However, fasting can also be quite dangerous when done incorrectly or at the wrong time, particularly in the instance of a food fast. If you are interested in fasting as part of your cleansing and healing practice be sure to seek expert advice.

Healing Foods

Eating pure, whole foods is essential to your cleansing and healing process. Try to incorporate plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. Also include fiber-rich whole grains, such as quinoa and brown rice, as well as lean protein, like beans or wild fish. Be sure not to neglect your intake of healthy fast during your cleanse. Try eating nuts, olive oil, or avocados to keep your brain and body functioning optimally. Talk to your doctor to create a meal plan that is right for you.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are thought to have several healing benefits. For example, psyllium and slippery elm are found to support the large intestines and digestive system, green tea is known for its antioxidant properties, and spicy herbs like cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and fennel are thought to work as blood purifiers. You can look for these herbs in teas to support your unique conditions. However, before doing so, be sure to consult your doctor.

Yoga

Yoga is found by many people to be a supportive tool for cleansing and healing. Try incorporating calming poses into your lifestyle to ease your body and mind. Calming yoga poses, such as a reclining bound angle pose, can help you to focus on letting go and emptying out any emotional or mental worries you have been harboring. You might also like to try breathwork, or pranayama, to encourage the flow of energy in your body and mind as you eliminate toxins. Find a certified yoga instructor to aid you in these practices.

Rituals

Many people like to perform daily rituals to support their cleansing and healing. For example, meditation is a practice of calming the mind and listening to your thoughts without judgment. Others use daily prayer as way to find and receive guidance. Another, more tangible, cleansing ritual is the practice of dry skin brushing which is believed to remove dead skin cells and improve your body's ability to excrete toxins. Play around with different rituals and see if you can find a practice that resonates with your own beliefs and healing goals.

References

  • "Natural Health: Simple 3-Day Detox"; Nora Isaacs; 2007
  • "The Great American Detox Diet"; Alex Jamieson; 2006

Article reviewed by Lynda Moultry Belcher Last updated on: Sep 2, 2010

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