“Fasting” the mind and body to Detox and be a healthier you
0We all have busy lives, we live in a world that is moving “fast”. We also live in a world where we have access to “excess”. Fast food 24 hours, 24 hour TV, 24 hour online internet that turns into a 24 hour work day. We can never fully find a way or time to give our mind and body a rest.
Rushing from work, to home, to take care of kids schedules, and only possible to work again from home on line, puts our bodies and minds out of balance. We rush to eat quickly, foods that are “quick” and “handy”, unfortunately they are usually “processed” and hard to digest. We are over stimulated at work, and on our commute home we continue with hand held devices, then get home only to once again watch TV, news or continue to work via the internet.
It is so important to take time to “REST” and “RESET” the body and min in order to restore balance and be productive. The body heals from the inside out on a cellular level. By giving the digestive system a “rest” you can “reset” your body from the inside out, changing the way the body produces and processes energy. Eating and drinking whole foods, natural and mostly green can and will heal and replenish your body.
Did you know that 70% of your body’s energy is used to break down insoluble fiber in foods to extract minerals and vitamins, and for your liver and kidneys to filter the impurities?
A 3 or 6 day Juice Fast can clean up and detoxify your body internally. Socrates used and suggested “fasting” to attain mental and physical clarity. Hippocrates the “father” of medicine suggested it to his patients for optimal health.
Juicing whole vegetables and fruits at a ratio of 70% greens and 30% along with hydrating with a lot of water and natural coconut water will restore your body to a natural balance. Now your tissues, skin, organs can absorb ALL the nutrients and vitamins directly. The liver and kidneys get a rest since there are no impurities going through the system.
That 70% of your body’s energy will go to breaking down fat. You will be super hydrated and since the brain is a wet organ, you will have incredible clarity of mind and the most energy you have ever had. The body will not be hungry and you will rid it of unnatural cravings for processed carbs and refined sugars.
Incorporating Yoga during this time of “cleaning up and energizing” your system will boost the effectiveness of this process. Yoga poses aid in the detoxification and purification of the mind and body. Yoga encourages heat and sweat, so your body naturally rids itself from toxins. Poses involve compression, crunches, twists and breathing techniques to encourage the digestive organs to function.
Yoga as an added benefit, it rests and re-energizes the mind. The time you take out of your day for yoga is for you. Mentally taking a break to focus on being present and to calm your mind, clear out the cobwebs of thought that are of the past and future and to focus on the here and now.
Throughout history, every culture, and religion, Fasting has been a constant and effective method of cleansing and restoring the physical body’s health, it has also been a method to maintain clarity of mind. It goes hand in hand with practicing yoga. By naturally allowing the mind and body to purify, detoxify and be healthy, you will in no time maintain balance in the body. For more information and the whole 6 day fasting program, go to www.6dayjuicefast.com
By Denise Pala, Cultural and lifestyle expert in health and wellness, Director of yoga training at www.theclaritycentre.ca Creator of the 6 day juice “fast” program www.6dayjuicefast.com at www.clarityhouse.com
