Spring Cleansing For A Healthy Body

As the days get longer and the sun begins to thaw the earth and melt away its protective layers, according to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian science, our bodies naturally desire to do the same. Spring is the optimal time to 'clean house' and flush the body of any toxins that have accumulated over the winter months.

According Danny Arguetty, an Integrative Nutritionist from the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, Massachusetts, if these toxins stay in our systems for too long, they will often manifest into common spring aliments such as excessive mucous, allergies, sinus infections and hay fever.

Arguetty claims that some of the positive benefits one can expect from simple cleansing practices are stronger immunity, increased energy, stable emotions, decreased PMS symptoms, lessened cravings for sweets and junk food, more flexibility and strength, stronger hair, nails and teeth, smoother skin, less joint inflammation, heightened senses, increased self -confidence and sounder sleep.

In theory, detoxing or cleansing the body all sounds like a good idea, but finding the time to put it all in to practice is another story. However, according to Arguetty there are several simple ways that you can get healthy without putting your life on hold or breaking the bank.

"Don't get overwhelmed by the all the time consuming detoxification regimes," says Arguetty. "There are many health benefits one will reap from just consistently applying quick, affordable and easy to do home remedies."

Here are Arguetty's top spring detox must-dos that with patience and persistence will bring you the good health you deserve!

Tongue Scraping

What it is: A traditional Ayurvedic practice that stimulates your metabolism by massaging your taste buds to stimulate saliva production; clears the tongue and mouth of toxic bacteria which surfaces while sleeping and causes bad breath.

How to do it: Gently run the scraper down the entire length and sides of your tongue three or four times or until you clear all the white and yellow coating off after brushing your teeth morning and night.

Where to get it:  Go for a stainless steel scraper over an all-plastic one, available at most health food stores for around $6.

Skin Brushing

What it is: "This practice," says Arguetty, "is excellent for moving and detoxing your lymphatic system, clearing your skin of toxins preventing and alleviating cellulite." Another perk is that it leaves your skin feeling baby smooth and tingly all over.

How to do it: Start with your lower body first. In upward and circular strokes begin with the inner thighs for 2 or 3 mins then move to the front and outer thigh and upper buttocks. From there move to your feet (both tops and bottoms) and work your way up the calves - front and back, paying special attention to the backs of the knees where there happen to be lots of lymph nodes. Once the legs are done, move to the buttocks again, moving the brush in circular motions, and then move to the stomach and sides of the body in upward strokes toward the heart. From there go to the arms. As with the legs, start by opening up the thickest part of the arms and then moving to the periphery and drawing in towards the armpits. "Make sure you pay special attention to the armpits, do the undersides of the biceps and triceps. From there draw the brush from the fingertips all the way up the arms toward the heart," says Arguetty. Next focus on your chest area. From the collarbones sweep in toward the heart, going gently around the breasts. Then move to your back and get all areas as best you can. This may require the help of another person in order to do it thoroughly. Do not, Arguetty warns, ever go over your face with the body brush.

Where to get it: Arugetty suggests starting with an Earth Therapeutics body brush if you have more sensitive skin, because it is a little bit softer than other brands. But, if you are a die-hard with really rough skin then go for the Yerba skin brush that is a lot stiffer. All are available at your health food store.

Hot/Cold Contrasting Shower

What it is: Going back and forth between blasting one minute of hot water and one minute of cold water. "No this not some kind of water torture," says Arguetty, "although at first it can feel that way, it's actually a great way to stimulate circulation and your lymphatic system. Needless to say you will be very awake afterwards too!"

How to do it: First just enjoy your nice warm shower and do all your soaping up. Once finished do one minute under the highest heat you can stand followed by a minute of the coldest. "Make sure the cold water hits all parts of your body including your face, armpits, buttocks, thighs, because they all areas dense with lymph nodes," says Arguetty. Then do one more minute of hot and end with a minute of cold.  Who needs coffee after this?

Arguetty's Revised Master Cleanse Lemonade

What it is: Traditionally an intense cleanse that requires you only drink several liters of spicy lemonade. However, for many people, the detox symptoms are quite intense and the maple syrup that you sweeten the lemonade with can throw your blood sugar into a tailspin. "I don't recommend this course of cleansing because it is too jarring to the body, spikes your blood sugar and focuses on deprivation of nutrients rather than abundance." Said Arguetty. Instead, he suggests, incorporating aspects of the master cleanse lemonade with a few substitutes that are more nurturing.

How to do it: In 32 oz of filtered water add the juice of 1/2 a lemon (fresh), 1 tsp of powder MSM, an organic sulfur-containing compound that is amazing for skin, joints and muscle, and a 1/10 of a tsp of cayenne pepper, which is great for inflammation, detoxification, and stimulating circulation. Drink this concoction upon rising, but only after teeth and tongue brushing and scraping.

Where to get it: MSM can either be ordered online or found at most health food stores. Choose the powder form over the pill or liquid forms when possible. For inflamed muscles, joints or tendons, Arguetty recommends mixing a good amount of MSM powder into your body lotion and applying directly on the inflamed area.

Rebounding

What it is: Bouncing on a mini trampoline. According to rebounding and fitness expert Brian Bielawski, founder of Natural Exercise NYC, rebounding is not only a fun cardio workout, but also it's also incredibly strengthening, increases bone density and is gentle on your joints. "By opposing gravity directly, rebounding develops every muscle in the body on a cellular level, applying up to 3 G's of force without any impact," says Bielawski.

Unlike other bulky exercise equipment, rebounders are light and easy to transport, can be used inside and out, and can even be folded in half for easy storage and access when not being used. "I keep one in my office for an afternoon energy boosts," says Bielawski.

How to do it: Exercising in the morning is the best way to literally sweat the sluggishness out of your system. After detoxing and rejuvenating all night while sleeping, moving your body in the morning rather than at night is ideal because of its stimulating nature. Bielawski say's there are many ways to rebound: light bouncing up and down, twists from side to side, jogging in place, jumping jacks etc. However the faster and lower you bounce the more you will sweat. If you have an injury or don't feel like your balance is up to par, Bielawski suggests getting a rebounder that comes with a stabilizing bar for extra support.

Where: Bielawski strongly suggesting purchasing a rebounder that has a good shock absorbent system. "Urban Rebounder or Needak brand rebounders are a little pricier than the generic brands you will find in a sporting goods shop," Bielawski says, "but spending a little more now is worth a lot more when it comes to injury prevention later on."

Breathing

What it is: Flooding the brain, cells and other organs with oxygen, or "brain food." "When life gets busy and stressful, most of us hold our breath without realizing it, leaving our cells and brains starved for air," says, Arguetty. Therefore, he suggests incorporating a pranayama, or yogic breathing technique called "Lions Breath" for just a couple minutes everyday. Both energizing and detoxifying, it can be done in the car when stuck in traffic or better yet with your kids before school while waiting for the bus.

How to do it: Sit in a comfortable position with your hands on your thighs. Take a few natural breaths and connect to the present moment, consciously letting your shoulders drop away from your ears. When ready take a deep breath in through your nose as you rock back slightly. On your out breath, rock forward while sticking out your tongue as far as it will reach and bugging out your eyes as big as they will bug. The breath in this case leaves out the mouth with an exaggerated HAAAAAA sound. Do as many rounds as you desire. Minimum 3.

"Remember," says Arugetty, "all of these tips are really life practices that should be incorporated for five minutes here and there into your daily routines for optimal results. Staying healthy is a life long process that can be done without too much time, money or resources. All you need is a little dedication and desire."