Summer is a great time to detox/cleanse!  Warm weather already has the effect of reducing appetite, and also encourages eating lighter.  It is the perfect time to fully let go of whatever has been stored in the body over the long winter and spring months by eliminating certain foods and substances for a period of time.  The age-old process of cleansing has been used by native peoples and spiritual traditions around the world as a way to clear mind, body, emotions, and spirit and to allow renewal and rejuvenation on all levels.

Let’s discuss the various approaches to cleansing,because not every type feels good to every body.  You need to take into account your body’s state of health in choosing a cleanse – an extreme approach can make people feel worse instead of better.  I recommend choosing which avenue feels most comfortable for you, and discussing your plan with your doctor before beginning.

That said, here are some cleansing approaches to consider, from least to most extreme:

1.     The simplest, most common form of cleansing is a good massage to move toxins through and out the body.  If you live in the Tri-Cities area, I highly recommend Mary Cassiday at Essential Balance in Midland (989-631-3022).

2.     Next up - if you currently eat meat, try switching to vegetarian foods for at least a week to give your digestion system a rest. Instead, focus on fresh vegetables (from the farmer’s market if possible!), beans, nuts, and grains. You can find great vegetarian recipes in my Quantum Cleanse Guide, available to download on my website.

3.     A great process for those who have never embarked on a cleanse is to eliminate all sugar, refined foods, and caffeine for up to 3 weeks. Sometimes it can help to ramp down consumption of these foods for the week leading up to the cleanse to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

4.     The Quantum Wellness Cleanse is one I use once per season.  It consists of eliminating all caffeine,sugar, animal products, alcohol, and gluten for 3-21 days. This takes some planning, but the results are fantastic based on feedback from those who have done it.  You can find out more about this cleanse on my website, with a free Quantum Cleanse Guide, including recipes.  You can also find blogs I've written about my experience with this program on this site.

5.     The Clean Program takes the Quantum Cleanse to the next level.  It not only eliminates almost all of the foods mentioned above, but allergy-triggering foods and highly acidic foods as well. It includes an ayurvedic approach to eating, but DOES allow chicken, fish, and lamb to be consumed, so it's great if you don't want to give up meat. It includes 2 liquid meals per day (juice or smoothie) and 1 solid meal at lunch.

6.   A juice cleanse is probably the most extreme version, and consists of at least 3days of drinking primarily organic vegetable juices. This allows the body a break from complex food and allows the liver to focus solely on removing toxins.

Whatever route you choose, one important factor is the support of others – family, friends, coworkers, and living space. Setting clear intentions for what you would like to get out of the cleanse, and sharing those with others can make a huge difference in your experience and your success.  Additionally, movement is very helpful to facilitate the detox process, so be sure to plan that as part of your cleanse. Downward dog pose, legs up the wall, and twisting are all great yoga asanas to aid in the process.

You will certainly feel refreshed after you cleanse, as if you snuck in a vacation.  And, you will probably feel just as relaxed!  By letting go of the physical toxins in your body, you are also making way for other toxins – emotional, spiritual, and energetic – to come up and out. That results in an overall enhanced sense of well-being and aliveness.