March Wellness Tips
March can be a tumultuous month, both externally and internally. With the unpredictable weather dress in layers to ensure you are prepared for any situation.
As the snow begins to melt and wash away the debris of winter, something similar is happening within the body. The flowing liquid can be experienced in the body as mucous and possibly various emotions as well.
Don’t be surprised if you experience more heavy feelings of sadness and grief as March is the month of lamentation and can bring about the release of deep emotions.
The warming temperatures signals to your body that it’s time to rid itself of the accumulated insulation from winter. This places extra demand on the liver as it has to work overtime to break down excess fats.
Photo by Deryn Macey on Unsplash
Support your liver by avoiding sweet, rich, oily foods and alcohol which clogs and suppresses liver function. Choose more bitter and sour foods like sprouts, leafy greens and ferments to reduce liver congestion to promote clarity.
As the liver works to break down the fats, some fatty molecules can enter into the bloodstream causing the blood to become thick. This can lead to congestion in the circulatory and respiratory systems.
When this happens there’s an increased chance of catching a Springtime cold, the ‘damp hots.’ This feels like heaviness, achiness, swollen lymph nodes and flu-like symptoms.
Increase your intake of diuretics such as parsley and celery to remove excess moisture from the body. Add more spices like ginger and cayenne to stoke the digestive fire. Aloe Vera makes for a mild laxative as well. More specific recommendations below.
Photo by Hilary Hahn on Unsplash
This year, Spring officially begins Tuesday, March 19th. This is the ideal time cleanse the body of any unwanted toxins and habits that have accumulated over the winter and prepare for the seasons ahead.
I don’t know if you’ve tried many cleanses in the past. I have tried a few, the Master Cleanse, juice fasts, and a few others. And I can honestly say, these cleanses left me feeling more depleted than when I started.
Until I discovered Kitchari, a traditional Ayurvedic meal that supports the digestive system. This allows the body the opportunity to detoxify and cleans the body, while also providing nourishment.
Top 3 Tips for a Successful Cleanse
01. Keep it Simple
The goal is to give your body a rest and the best way veto do this is to eat simple, easy to digest meals. Keep it warm, moist, and well spiced.
02. Be Realistic
Choose an amount of time that is practical for you and your lifestyle. I recommend a minimum of 3 days, or you can go up to 40 days- be realistic and choose what you can commit to.
03. Take it Easy
When cleansing there’s a lot happening inside the body. From pulling toxins out of the tissues (detoxifying) and removing them (cleansing), it’s a lot. Keep your routine simple, avoid excessive exertion, and be sure to get good quality rest.
Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash
This is the last few weeks of winter, as we approach Spring now is the time to focus on your routine. Keep your sinuses clear with a neti pot rinse. Be in bed by 10pm and rise before the Sun to optimize energy. Be sure to make time for movement, ideally in the morning and try dry-brushing to to increase circulation.
This is the last of it, Spring is right around the corner!
Check out the tips below for more specific recommendations, including a complete food list, exercise practices, and more.
March Wellness Handbook
Download these PDFs to access a complete wellness handbook containing:
Food Guide
Movement practices
Self-care practices
Recipe of the Month
Jump start your Spring cleaning with this energizing veggie juice!
Support your liver and boost metabolism with 5 simple ingredients to give your digestive system the cleanse it’s looking for this Spring.
Kale Lemonade