The time is right…
At this time of settling into the new year when there are several more weeks of winter ahead followed by a fast approaching spring, the conditions are ripe for cleansing and detoxing. Rather than jumping into a hardcore detox protocol starting January 1st, waiting until the end of January or early February can be an optimal set up for thinking about helping the body to cleanse and release toxins. There’s been room to let the abundances and excesses of the holidays fade. Attempts have probably been made to make change for the new year, and realities and practicalities have probably sunk in – what’s actually doable versus what’s aspirational starts to become clear. It’s helpful to have that clarity and distance from indulgence before going into something like a detox or a cleanse.
Functional or fashionable…
In the modern era cleansing and detoxing have become an important part of our lives because we are exposed to so many environmental toxins and hyper-novelty while just going about our day-to-day routines. Our bodies and our minds need a break. They need a chance to process out the substances and influences that aren’t supposed to be there, or at least aren’t supposed to be there in the quantities that have accumulated. Engaging with a cleansing or detoxing protocol helps support the mind and body to complete the processes they’re already trying to run to get healthier and back to an equilibrium.
Winter is an ideal season for cleansing and detoxing. It’s a spacious time, a time for rest, and a time for renewal, which is exactly what’s needed to cleanse and detox. Going through a reset can boost goals and planned activities like fitness, diet, and mental wellness. It’s a great way to get a jump start on ramping up for the spring, especially as the days begin to grow longer.
Cleansing and detoxing options…
In a way getting into cleansing and detoxing is both completely simple and totally challenging. It’s simple in that your body already does it. Left to its own devices, it would take care of business and detox by itself. Maybe drinking some water and getting some good sleep would be a support, but you wouldn’t need much more than that. There’s something to be said for not over-complicating things. But life will over-complicate things for you. Sometimes we need a little more support than just what our bodies can do on their own, or we need practices and protocols to help us overcome the barriers and limitations that prevent us from letting our bodies and minds detox. When that’s the case, we usually turn to plans, programs, apps, books, gurus, and other usually for sale approaches to help get us where we’re going.
In the domain of cleansing and detoxing the options and variety of plans, programs, teachers, etc. is overwhelming! I’ve tried a few myself, all with their own pros and cons of course. I’m not going to be making any recommendations here except to say that a late January/early February cleanse is generally speaking a good idea. As for the actual approach you take, that’s your call. Try to figure out what you want from a cleanse, and pick a priority item instead of trying to fit everything into one (that rarely works or serves anyone well). Some possible reasons include: detoxing from environmental toxins, detoxing from substances, detoxing from social media or screentime, resetting the palate, isolating variables in diet or nutrition, caloric restriction, general health or wellness support, organ function, immune function, reduce inflammation, spiritual practice, stoicism practice, etc. Use your main priority (maybe it wasn’t listed) to find a program that will support you – there’s definitely one out there!
Another question to consider before selecting an approach is how hard do you want to go? Some cleansing and detoxing protocols are strict and rigid and long! There are benefits to this, and there are downsides. A stricter program can give you more insight about your own needs and limitations, and it can have more exaggerated results. However, a stricter program can lower your morale, take you through some challenging low points, and possibly cause you real physical distress. Definitely read any medical disclaimers to make sure the program you choose is a good fit. On the other hand, there are lighter gentler programs you can follow. The benefits may not be as dramatic, but there are still benefits. You may find a less rigid program is more sustainable and helpful in the longer term because it’s something you might be able to stick with better or cycle in and out as needed. No matter what you choose you will learn something. As for me, I’ve done tough ones. I did learn a lot from them, and while I wouldn’t say I would never do a strict cleanse again, I have no plans to go that route any time soon. Instead, I’m more likely to incorporate a few practices and protocols I’ve learned along the way for a gentle supportive winter cleanse.
A gentle January cleanse…
There is no research behind my January cleanse except my own anecdotal experience. It’s not medical or scientific. It’s just a set of practices that work for me. Throughout this blog there are a number of posts that go into aspects of cleansing and detoxing, such as walking, breathing, and tea. These are the kinds of activities and interventions I like to mix and match into a cleanse. Starting Sunday, I will begin a three-week cleanse including the following:
- Hydration focus – 62 ounces of water per day, which is a lot for me because I’m an under-hydrator
- Include 2 or more detox teas and water infusions such as dandelion tea, nettle tea, citrus and cranberry water (cold water infusion of lemon and orange slices mixed with small amount of pure cranberry juice)
- Ginger or turmeric tea in the evening for warming and digestion – creates ease
- Breathing exercises: bhastrika pranayama in the morning instead of coffee and abdominal breathing before bed
- Walking: extend daily walk to minimum of 30 minutes
- (++bonus items – keep reading)
The basic idea for my protocol is to support my system for general cleansing. Water flushes the system. Teas and infusions incorporating certain foods assist the detoxing organs and blood to efficiently cleanse the body. Breathing and walking facilitate movement, and exhalation is a natural path to detoxification. Plus all the liquid and activity naturally causes me to consume fewer calories and so sets me up for cleaner lighter eating, as well as reset my excessive coffee drinking habit. This approach is entirely intervention driven. I will not be abstaining from anything, but rather angling for the interventions to offset other behaviors and effects.
Let’s get weird…
Now for the bonus. This one is a takeaway from one of the stricter protocols I followed a couple times. Once or twice a year, I perform a daily water or coffee enema in the morning for 7 days straight. It’s hard to explain, you have to try it to get it. I have found this protocol gives me an energy boost and really clears my head. It’s not something you should do all the time. If you use coffee it should be cool to the touch (not warm or hot). Just be careful if you choose to do this and look up how to do it properly. I will be including this practice for one week within my cleanse, probably toward the end. Seriously, it sounds weird, but it makes me feel great!
Resources from this blog…
If you’re mixing and matching your own protocol like I am, be sure to check out the following posts for supportive recipes, thoughts, and activities for cleansing and detoxing:
Recipes:
Activities and Ideas:
Leave a Reply