Dr. Elson Haas On Spring Cleansing!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 12:27AM In 2006, I heard Dr. Elson Haas speak as I was studying at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
One element that stayed with me about Dr. Haas' lecture was a sense that he was in very good balance, and as he spoke I understood that for him - internal balance came with being in touch with the ancient tradition of healing with the seasons. Each season calls us to focus on a different part of our life, environment, diet, and inner self. Here is a selection he wrote on Springtime which describes my inspirations for tying Spring Cleansing with our Spring Collection! Enjoy!
From Dr. Elson M. Haas, M.D. 's book : Staying Healthy with the Seasons
"All is restored with life ant the beginning of spring. That which is found within us in winter surfaces and wants to come forth in the full bloom of spring [...] The beginning of spring is March 21st, the time of the spring equinox, when day equals night. [...] You may now feel a new spark and power, and be filled with inspiration and energy to act upon your ideas. This is a good time to take a look at your life and make a new plan. What do you want to clear out as the past in your environment and within yourself - and what do you wish to see happen this year? This can be a new start!
Take a little time to write a new health/life plan, including goals for how you wish to feel and what you would like to do and see happen. Let those dreams blossom. Spring is the greening season. It is the time for planting. After the rain and snow of winter, the seeds begin to sprout from the depths of the soil, trees bud, and nature awakens in her green, flowering beauty. New growth in our lives, relationships, and work is stimulated now as well. We and nature will flourish this season.
In the Chinese system of the Five Elements, the spring season w correlated with the element Wood, which foverns the galbladder and liver. [Hence our use of liver detoxifying medicinal herbs and tart berries in our Spring Collection...] The Wood element is associated with the sour flavor, and the Nei Ching says, 'the liver craves the sour flavor." Some sour foods will nourish the liver; too much can cause problems. [...] With springtime, there is an opporutnity to look at old patters in your life with a new awareness. So, let's look at a most important energy source for you, your body's fuel - food. The way you eat is a significant part of a healthy diet. Taking a special moment to relax before eating perpares your body to receive the full nourishment of your meal.
The springtime seems to be the best time for a major cleansing, drinking nourishing liquids, such as fruit and vegetable juices, for a period of five to ten days or longer. [...] Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is another good springtime healer. The greens, very nourishing and high in Vitamin A, are good in salads or used to make tea. The root (used in our Spring Collection) is a blood and kidney cleanser, particularly a liver cleanser and tonic, as well as a diuretic.
Summary: Making contact with your creative self is vital to spring harmony. Who are you inside? What do you need to express to feel free? You are continually creating your life ; be aware of this, and dance and play the tune that you are! As you can see, a lot is going on in the springtime of life. It is important to clear out the past to create spaces for the future to come into being now."
Reader Comments (1)
As with and beauty regimen, however, it's important to note that it's not enough to pinpoint one area. If you truly want to look and feel better, an entire overhaul may be in order. That means more exercise, better nutrition, staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and reducing stress.