How to Tend Your Inner Garden

Here in the northern hemisphere we’re getting ready to plant our gardens. This is a time of renewal and new beginnings-a time to step out from under the constraints of winter’s confines.

According to Classical Chinese Medicine, springtime corresponds to the cycle of the year called the “Wood” phase. Just as new green shoots of life push up through the hard packed ground, our personal Wood phase reveals itself through clear vision and confident implementation of our creative impulses as they emerge after winter’s stillness.

From this ancient perspective, the Wood phase and corresponding liver and gall bladder organs are responsible for the smooth flow of vital energy (Qi) and blood in our bodies. When this smooth flow is interrupted, stagnation results, causing physical problems like aches and pains, and emotional imbalances such as frustration, depression and anger.

– Eye problems, headaches, seasonal allergies, chronic infections and inflammation can all be due to Wood phase imbalances.
– Diseases such as hepatitis and gallstones can likewise be helped by facilitating the smooth flow of Wood energy.

A primary function of the liver is to filter out toxins that find their way into your body. Take a look at the following info from MSNBC News contributor Francesca Lyman (msnb.com):

“Two recent studies cast dramatic light on the extent to which Americans are absorbing toxic chemicals in their bodies as part of everyday life. They present a striking picture of Americans riddled with low levels of chemicals, the vestiges of eating, drinking, breathing and touching the synthetic products of the industrial world. Given how common these chemicals are, can personal actions and better choices reduce one’s level of exposure in a toxic world? Â Volunteers were tested for the presence of 210 chemicals, commonly found in consumer products and industrial pollutants, by the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York and two non-profit groups. Tests on blood and urine detected an average of 91 industrial compounds, pollutants and other chemicals in the volunteers, with a total of 167 chemicals found across the entire group. The researchers chose subjects who did not work with chemicals in their jobs or live in industrial areas.”

Prepare Your Soil

Just as you prepare the soil for a garden it is essential to prepare your inner terrain. Utilizing a balanced detoxification protocol at this time of year is essential. Healthy foods and appropriate herbs and nutrients can activate a sluggish liver.

Focus on supporting the pathways of elimination, absorption and assimilation. Digestive enzymes, and probiotics can really help. Don’t forget the importance of colon health, and drinking adequate amounts of pure water. It is important to drain toxins from the liver and gall bladder.

In my practice I work with pure, organic naturally wild crafted spagyrics botanicals as one of the tools to  the body as well as at the mind and spirit level. At this time of year, I often recommend the Wood phase spagyric botanical remedy. This potent herbal combination assists with the symptoms of gastric reflux, liver and gall bladder congestion, hemorrhoids, hypoglycemia, gallstones, fatigue, headaches and rheumatic pains.

Spagyric processed herbs are unique remedies because they contain the physical, emotional and spiritual elements of the plant, which is key to their ability to shift human health at the mind, body and spirit level. Also in this detoxifying process, I like to nourish and support the liver and gall bladder with an innovative functional food designed for overall detoxification and the removal of potentially harmful toxins. Developed with specific and targeted nutrients, it helps support balanced Phase 1 and Phase 2 liver detoxification pathways. This spagyric is fortified with 24 grams of the highest quality, hypoallergenic rice protein specifically selected for its low allergy potential and provides a balance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants to restore gut pH balance and support gastrointestinal integrity. This formula is a synergistic combination of nutrients to support liver detoxification, intestinal balance, and the reduction of inflammatory cytokines.

Nourish Your Liver

Think spring green! Include in your diet plenty of green leafy veggies, such as chard and kale, also – be adventurous and try steaming organic dandelion greens. Add plenty of artichokes, asparagus, sprouts, beets, lemons, plums, pineapple, apple cider vinegar, natural fermented sauerkraut, and yogurt. These foods are alkalizing in nature and will help to remove over-acidity and inflammation.

Take a break from processed foods and foods high in fats, as well as caffeine and alcohol. Instead, consider juicing your favorite blend of veggies for a delicious high-energy treat.

Gain Perspective

The brilliant Albert Einstein said, “You cannot solve a problem with the same consciousness that initially created it.” When you have lightened the burden on your liver, you’ll notice a corresponding lightness of your heart and mind. Thoughts and feelings are uplifted. Your internal garden terrain is balanced and the rocks and debris have been cleared, providing a clear fertile field for the seeds that will be sown to sprout and flourish.

Other added benefits include increased energy, better immunity, weight loss, reduction or elimination of common symptoms like: headaches, skin problems, respiratory problems, digestive problems, insomnia, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. You may also experience better memory and concentration, clearer vision – both external and internal.

Live in Harmony with the Spring Season

Start your day by stretch your muscles with a walk through a park and enjoy the natural world bursting forth all around you.

See the big picture by looking for creative ways to solve existing problems. Don’t get trapped into perceiving people and events in all the same old ways. It’s a season of new beginnings so be willing to let something brand new form in your experience with others. By changing your orientation, the situation will naturally take a different course, and the magic of life can unfold in totally new and fulfilling ways!

Plan for the year ahead and remember to be specific and deliberate with the seeds you plant, especially as relating to thought, word and deed. What is sown this spring will continue to grow and flourish throughout the rest of this remarkable year.