Arwen Ek, Peak to Peak.

Even with the early Spring snow storms that we have come to expect in the mountains, our bodies are still tuned into the turning of the seasons: the budding sugar maples, the rising pine sap, the new songs of returning birds, the longer, warmer days. Humans experience physiological changes as well including more energy and ambition; while sleeping and eating less.

But this is not true for everybody – some people have a harder time adapting to the changing weather and daylight. Bio-physiologist Dr. Rosenthal has made a career from studying the phenomenon of human physiological responses to seasonal flux. “Some people appear to be unable to adapt physiologically to the rapid seasonal change; their bodies break down – physically and emotionally – under the strain.” (“Spring Fever, Down to a Science”, by Michael Freitag, New York Times, March 22, 1989)

Adaptation is how we maintain equilibrium with our environment, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Stress, illness, exposure to toxins in our food and environment, and less than optimal sleep, fresh air, sunlight, exercise and nutrition all contribute to a breaking down of our body systems, and hamper our body’s natural ability to adapt.

Maintaining our health takes attention and care, especially when the seasons are changing, as our bodies are responding to more sunlight and longer, warmer days. One traditional way of giving the body a little extra “boost” is to do a gentle Spring Cleanse around the time of the Spring Equinox.

“We can look at cleansing our bodies in the same way as we look at maintaining our automobiles. If we never checked them, retuned them, and cleaned or replaced clogged tubes, and continued to drive them, they would often break down. If they are evaluated and cared for regularly, they will run better, last longer, and not break down. So it is with our body, the most finely tuned machine on the planet. From its conception, it was designed to run on the pure, unpolluted, unprocessed fuel from the Mother Earth.

Today with the varied and manufactured substances we eat, imbibe, and inhale, this cleansing is even more important to our vitality and health.” (p. 41, Staying Healthy with the Seasons by Dr. Elson M. Haas, 1981)

Cleaning house does not have to involve expensive “cleanse-in-a-box” products, or painful – even dangerous – periods of fasting and purging. (Trust me, I’ve tried them ALL!) You can give your body an annual tune up by dedicating one or two weeks to avoiding alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, sugar, gluten, meat, and dairy; and incorporating more pure clean water, fiber, and fresh, organic, whole foods. Top it off with prioritizing sleep, fresh air, sunlight, and exercise, and your Spring Cleanse will feel more like a vacation!

You are invited to spend your Spring Break enjoying a seasonal “tune up” with The Holistic Homestead. From March 25th through the 31st, you will enjoy two juicing parties, foot soaks, gentle cleansing yoga, and receive inspiring recipes and custom cleanse planning for every level, interest, and goal. Learn more at http://theholistichomestead.org .