Feeling Good

Do you ever check in with your body to see how you’re really feeling? I often joke that we change the oil in our car, but how often do we clean out our bodies?

We are subjected to many environmental toxins – heavy metals, mold, poor eating habits, as well as stress and a sedentary lifestyle. Cleansing is a process of ridding the body of accumulated wastes and toxins that cause people to feel sluggish, heavy, tired, and to have insomnia. Those suffering from inflammation and pain can benefit from cleansing, as it helps alleviate the extra stress on our bodies.

Cleanses are a magnificent way to reset the system, but they are not as powerful as overall lifestyle changes. Gentle but consistent long-term changes to your lifestyle and habits can benefit your body more than a short-term cleanse.

Still, a short-term cleanse is a powerful tool to give your body the boost it needs to feel better and also to break bad habits. Our organs of elimination – liver, kidneys, lungs, large intestine and skin – help to detoxify the body; it’s important that they function well if you are going to cleanse.

Seasonal cleansing is very beneficial, but it can also tax your body. So be sure you have sufficient time to rest and relax during your cleanse.

I also encourage people to take time to be in nature, do gentle exercise, and practice pranayama or breathing techniques. You also can take saunas or detox baths, and dry scrub your skin.

Detoxing is a slow and subtle process, and is so worth the time and effort. Your body is your vehicle in this life, so treat it well and it will be good to you!

Maurgana Stiastny, LAc, MAcOM, LMT, has been an acupuncturist and natural healthcare practitioner for 23 years. Find her at the Quan Yin Healing Center located on the north shore of Maui, or call her at 808.579.8810.