Winter is nearing completion and Spring is just around the corner. In Traditional Chinese Medicine seasons are correlated to organs and, Spring is the season of the Liver. The liver in a Western sense is essentially the powerhouse of the body. The Liver aids in purifying blood, releasing enzymes to digest food, and breaking down fats. The liver works to neutralize and remove ingested toxic chemicals; daily pollution; toxins created within the body; break down pharmaceutical drugs; and metabolize alcohol, just to name a few functions.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Liver is responsible for smooth flowing vital energy or “Qi” in the body. Smooth flowing digestion and a harmony of emotions. The emotion associated with the Liver is Anger. Therefore, tendency towards anger may mean an imbalanced or stuck Liver Qi.
Naturopathic medicine is much more than just an option for patients who are very ill and diagnosed with disease. A key principle of Naturopathic Medicine is prevention. So if you feel you are really healthy and you feel that your liver is fairly healthy, that is excellent news. It is something you do not want to take for granted, and can set your sites on prevention of future disease and chronic health problems. An annual Spring-cleaning of your Liver may be all that you need.
Toxins are removed from the body via sweat, breath, urination and bowel movements. But first, all toxins are processed through the liver. The liver can become “sluggish” if toxins are coming in faster than they can be taken out of the body. When toxins are not eliminated properly, various symptoms can arise.
Some indications that a Liver has become “sluggish” include:
- poor digestion
- gas/bloating
- chronic stress
- fatigue
- poor quality sleep
- chronic stress and/or anger
- constipation or diarrhea
- poor immune system
- migraines
- PMS and menstrual issues
- skin problems such as eczema and acne
- frequent alcohol consumption
- and hay fever.
After a cleanse you will likely experience: weight loss, a youthful glow, a clarity of thought, sharper memory, increased motivation, improved sleep, increase in energy, less gas, bloating and complete bowel movements.
How do we do a liver detoxification? At Brio Centre, the Spring Cleaning Program generally consists of a 21 day liver cleanse, removing foods that cause inflammation/acidity, increasing water, and including several supplements that aid in liver function. Liver cleanses can be as easy or as complicated as you like.
During the month of April and May, the practitioners at Brio Integrative Health will focus on liver cleanses to jump start the liver out of hibernation. The Spring Cleaning Program can coincide with your current Naturopathic Program. Generally the Program is 21 days in length to achieve full benefits. Practitioners at Brio will be conducting body fat/composition testing pre and post cleanse. Note your progress within seconds! When performed correctly a Liver detox is a fascinating way to learn about creating health.
Call Brio Integrative Health today to set up your Spring Cleaning Program, 604-271-9355.
Kyra will be more than happy to assist you. Enjoy the process and happy cleansing!
Brio Integrative Health Centre
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