Gentle is not normally a word that the people in my life use to describe me or the way that I show up in life. In fact, intense is more my go-to.

Detoxing was no different in my 20s. BodyMind Retreats in Ithaca is where I lived for five summers; it was a raw food detox center. I watched hundreds if not nearly a thousand people go through detoxes every ten days all summer every summer.

Depending on how people came into the detox center, meaning how toxic their bodies and current lifestyle were, determine how hard they would detox.

I also have sat in Ayahuasca ceremonies and watched the more healthy-looking people purge (aka detox) less than the not so healthy looking.

In my early thirties, I studied Ayurveda and did a series of Pancha karmas combined with liver detoxes, one of the marked events was when a liver fluke came out of my colonic, it was as large as my thumb.

My driving factor with detoxing has been my skin and digestion, or lack of rather, yeah constipation and eczema have been two of my lifelong battles.

Detoxing has been the solution for both.

But before you go do a detox… let me share with you what I have learned and how I think about detoxing.

Our bodies naturally detox, it is part of the way our bodies have evolved to function.

The body’s organs of detoxification, are like mighty rivers of cleansing,
Flowing through the body and cleansing out toxic debris.
The liver, the kidneys, and the lungs, they all work together, to remove toxins and keep the body healthy and pure.

The liver, the largest of these organs, breaks down the toxins and sends them out of the body in the form of bile.

The kidneys filter out the impurities, and send them to the bladder, to be removed from the body.

The lungs, the airways of the body,
Cleanse the air we breathe, and help rid the body of toxins. They contain tiny hairs that trap the pollutants,
And then the body eliminates them through coughing and sneezing.

The body’s detoxification organs, they are like guardians of health, protecting us from the toxins that surround us every day. They work together in harmony, to keep us healthy, happy, and free.

Gently detoxing is a journey of mindful discovery. It is an opportunity to explore how your body responds to different foods and activities, as well as what works best for you. To embark on this journey, start by creating a plan that is tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle. Begin by removing or reducing the consumption of processed foods, refined sugars, and alcohol. At the same time, incorporate more organic, nutrient-dense, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into your diet. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water, as well as herbal teas to help flush toxins from your system. Additionally, consider adding a gentle exercise routine to your daily regime, such as walking, stretching, or yoga. Finally, remember to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed. A gentle detox can be a wonderful way to reconnect with yourself and restore balance to your life.

Intense detoxing is a type of detoxification that involves drastic and rapid changes to your diet and lifestyle. It typically involves cutting out all processed and unhealthy foods, and replacing them with whole, unprocessed foods that are high in nutrients and low in toxins. It also includes rigorous cleansing practices, such as fasting, colon cleansing, and sauna therapy, as well as more drastic measures, such as liver flushing and the use of herbal supplements. Intense detoxing is meant to be a short-term intervention and should only be done under the guidance of a trained health professional.

Gentle detoxing is a more moderate approach to detoxification. This type of detox focuses on making gradual, sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle. It includes consuming whole, unprocessed foods and avoiding processed and unhealthy foods. It also involves supplementing with herbs and other natural detoxification aids, as well as engaging in cleansing practices such as frequent juicing and sauna therapy. Gentle detoxing is designed to be done over the long-term and is a great way to keep your body healthy and in balance.

The Zen of Detoxing:
A journey of two paths, both offering the same goal of purification, but with vastly different approaches.
Intense detoxing: A steep and rigorous trail, hard-earned and strenuous, a trek of sweat and exertion, but with great rewards, an ascent to new heights.
Gentle detoxing: A winding, meandering path, a gentle, calming stroll, a journey of relaxation and ease, a peaceful exploration of one’s inner self, a quest for a deeper understanding of one’s own nature.

Both paths offer the same goal of purification and the choice is yours. Which path will you take? 

Over the years, I have changed my ways and find gentle detoxing more realistic for being able to keep living my daily life. Last year I did a gentle microbiome detox for nearly a year which was phenomenal for my health.

So, dear friend! Spring has finally sprung, and with it comes a renewed sense of energy and vitality. As the world around us awakens from its winter slumber, it’s the perfect time to take a cue from nature and give our bodies a much-needed detox.

Detoxing in the spring is particularly beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, during the colder months, we tend to consume more heavy, comfort foods that can leave us feeling sluggish and weighed down. By cleansing our bodies of these toxins and replacing them with lighter, nutrient-dense foods, we can boost our energy levels and feel more alert and focused.

Secondly, spring is a time of renewal and growth, both physically and spiritually. By detoxing, we can shed old habits and patterns that no longer serve us and make space for new growth and positive change.

So, my dear friend, I invite you to join me on this journey towards greater health and well-being. Let’s commit to a spring cleanse together, focusing on nourishing our bodies with fresh, seasonal produce, and incorporating gentle movement and mindfulness practices into our daily routines.

We can start by eliminating processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, and sugar from our diets for a set period, such as a week or two, and replace them with whole, plant-based foods, such as leafy greens, berries, and whole grains. We can also incorporate practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing to support our bodies’ natural detoxification processes.

Remember, detoxing isn’t about deprivation or punishment. It’s about giving our bodies the love and care they deserve, so that we can feel our best and live our fullest lives. So, are you ready to join me on this journey? Let’s cleanse together and embrace the new beginnings that spring has to offer!

This spring, I am planning to do my first liver detox in nearly a decade. And I plan to do it gentle-style. You are welcome to join and choose what feels like the right stage for your body, based on where you are at now in your health and what you want.