What is it about all this
“stuff” in our lives? Maybe we
accumulate things because they hold precious memories, or they remind us of our
parents, past romances or childhood. To
part with these possessions seems out of the question. But there’s a saying that I’ve always liked,
“You have to get rid of the old to make way for the new.” And if you’re feeling stagnant in your life,
it may be time to let a few things go and welcome the new energy that’s just
waiting to come into your life.
We
actually have two “homes” that need to be cleaned regularly: our physical homes
and our physical bodies. Just as we accumulate “stuff” around our homes, so do
our bodies accumulate food residues and toxins.
And, although our bodies are equipped with a wide variety of organs
designed to rid harmful toxins, these organs are most efficient when we provide
the right nutrients to do this arduous job.
To fully clean your body, it’s
important to give our organs a break from rich and complicated foods by either
cleansing or fasting for a short period of time. Cleansing means paring down
your food to just simple fruits and vegetables, lots of water and select whole
grains. Fasting means the limitation of most foods and replacing them with lots
of water, fresh vegetable and fruit juices, teas and soups. By limiting the
energy going toward digestion, more energy is available to the rest of your
body and mind, helping you sharpen your concentration improve your immune
function and enhance digestion.
While
you’re cleaning out your body and home, don’t forget to clean your heart. Throw
away negative thoughts and habits you’ve been harboring that no longer serve
you. A clean, open heart will allow you to receive all the good that awaits you
each and every day. If your heart and mind are cluttered, there is no room for
life’s gifts and surprises to enter.
© 2012
Deborah Farley, L.Ac, CHHC, DOM
Deborah Farley
is a licensed acupuncturist, naturopath and owner of the Acupuncture Clinic of
Richmond, in Richmond, Virginia. She's a leading authority on using nutrition
and Chinese medicine for treating symptoms and root causes of illness. For additional resources to improve your
health and wellness, visit www.debifarley.com or call 804.288.3927.
