To Cleanse Or Not To Cleanse
JillAmison2022 • August 16, 2023
Hear all about my experience in this weeks Liver Cleanse
Let me start by saying that I am not a nutritionist nor a qualified medic, but after about a month of over indulging with good food, wine and cocktails I needed to press the reset button and take some TLC action for my Liver.
In Chinese medicine the Liver is known as 'The General of the Army'
as it's health and optimal function governs the flow of Prana through the body. When the Liver is stressed and overloaded it doesn't do it's job as well as usual and we are left feeling lack lustre with our overall energy irregular and imbalanced.
Did you know that the Liver does more than 500 different jobs....Yes, you read that correctly, 500!!!!
The liver is the chemical factory in the body, the primary filtration system if you like. Anything that is inhaled, eaten or absorbed passes through the liver and when our hormones have done their job and become redundant, they too get passed through the liver. The liver does a LOT!
So caring for your liver is a good thing but it's not about detoxing or cleansing the liver specifically, as scientifically, that really isn't a thing. In my opinion, a liver cleanse is more about supporting what your liver does naturally and transforming the environment so that it can rejuvenate from all the stressors.
Signs your liver might need some love :
- Sugar craving
- Lethargy and reduced energy
- Sluggish bowel movements
- Skin dull or irritated
- Mood swings
- High levels of stress
- Excess gas or bloating
So this is where I found myself., to cleanse or not to cleanse?
Some of what is out there is scary so please do your research if you are thinking this might be for you.
Of course you don't need to do a quick fix, like my cleanse you can begin by modifying your diet.....
Your liver will thank you for cutting out alcohol and caffeine for a while. The liver also loves organic greens, citrus fruits, cruciferous veggies, avocado, eggs, nuts, oily fish, pro-biotics, berries, turmeric, wheatgrass and the allium family.
The path I choose was a little more drastic.
The Liver Cleanse from Global Healing was recommended to me by a friend who really knows her stuff when it comes to healthy living, so I did a little research, decided it would be a good fit for me , ordered it and began the 5 day cleanse last Saturday.
The cleanse consisted of ......
4 preparation days where you take liver health and turmeric tonic's before meals. Food is, ideally, plant based with healthy fats and plant proteins, reduced (read NO) alcohol or caffeine. Then there is a 'flush' prep day where you take epsom salts and olive oil (not together) then follows the final 'flush day' where toxins are said to be eliminated.
Here's what I learnt:
1. It was tough in so many ways....I really needed to call on discipline that I cultivate in my Yoga practices
2. Sugar cravings were REAL....headache's initially were awful
3. I definitely learnt that my portion sizes have been way too big of late AND when you change the mix of what you eat to clean eating it doesn't need to be boring nor do you need to starve.....I was never hungry once through this cleanse.
4. I discovered how much our weekends had begun to revolve around alcohol....I had so much time to do other more nourishing things. I returned to playing my harmonium each evening, took a leisurely soak in gorgeous oils in the tub, read wonderful books and woke up fresh, vital and motivated every morning.
5. That drinking 6fl oz of olive oil was surprisingly easy, the 8floz of water and epsom salt not so nice!!!!
6. Adaptogenic Coffee is my new favourite thing ever!!! (More about this next week.)
I have to say that I now feel AMAZING!!!!
My skin is glowing, I have tons of energy, my eye's are bright and clear and I am certainly no longer bloated.
For me this was a wonderful but challenging reset, but should I need it, I wouldn't be adverse to using it again.
Here's what I'll take away:
1. I'll be continuing plant based clean eating 4/5 days out of 7
2. Alcohol consumption is now limited to one day per week
3. Seasonal resets are fantastic to shift habits and create impetus for new actions and pathways for long lasting change
4. Clean eating doesn't mean deprivation
5. I'll be making better decisions how I use my time, especially on the weekends.
Navigating Conflict and Creating Boundaries on the Spiritual Path Conflict is an uncomfortable yet inevitable part of life. As someone deeply immersed in the practice of yoga and spiritual growth, I’ve often found myself wrestling with how to navigate disagreements, especially of late, while staying true to my values. Yoga teaches us to ride the highs and lows of life with grace, but that doesn’t mean we always get it right. For me, conflict has been a difficult terrain to navigate, but over the years, I’ve learned to stand up for myself with right action—an approach deeply rooted in both Buddhist philosophy and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Sitting with the Feeling Before Reacting One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of sitting with my emotions before reacting. The Buddhist principle of mindfulness encourages us to observe our thoughts and feelings without immediately acting on them. In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna is faced with an internal struggle about going into battle. Krishna advises him not to avoid the conflict but to engage in it with wisdom and righteousness. Similarly, I’ve realised that avoidance doesn’t resolve conflict; rather, thoughtful engagement does. There have been times when I’ve failed at this—when I’ve reacted instead of responding with intention. But with practice, I’ve learned to pause, breathe, and compose my words with clarity and without hostility. This is not always easy, especially when emotions run high, but it is essential for maintaining inner peace while asserting healthy boundaries. Boundaries: The Bridge Between Compassion and Self-Respect Brené Brown, in Atlas of the Heart, speaks about boundaries as an essential component of healthy relationships. She reminds us that we can agree to disagree, but boundaries help define what is and isn’t acceptable in our interactions. For instance: It’s okay that we have different beliefs, but it’s not okay to belittle mine. It’s okay that we are upset, but it’s not okay to yell or swear at each other. It’s okay to set limits, but it’s not okay to disregard or disrespect them. Boundaries are not about controlling others; they are about protecting our own well-being while still allowing space for connection. They help us navigate relationships with integrity, ensuring that we can hold space for differing perspectives without compromising our values. Healthy Ways to Navigate Conflict on the Spiritual Path So how do we engage in conflict in a way that aligns with our spiritual practice? Here are a few approaches I’ve found helpful: Pause Before Responding – Take a breath, feel the emotions, and respond with intention rather than impulse. Practice Non-Violent Communication – Express needs and concerns without blame or aggression. Hold Compassion for Yourself and Others – Recognize that everyone is navigating their own struggles, and approach conflict with an open heart. Stand Firm in Your Truth – Speak your truth with clarity and confidence, knowing that setting boundaries is an act of self-respect. Accept Disagreements Without Forcing Resolution – Some conflicts may not have a perfect resolution, and that’s okay. Agreeing to disagree while maintaining respect is sometimes the best outcome. Know When to Walk Away – If the other person is unable or unwilling to communicate without crossing your boundaries, it may be necessary to disengage. Protecting your peace is just as important as standing your ground. This could mean ending the conversation, limiting contact, or, in extreme cases, removing yourself from the relationship altogether. Choosing to walk away is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to your self-respect and emotional well-being. Navigating conflict is not about winning or proving a point; it’s about showing up authentically while maintaining inner peace. It’s about finding the balance between openness and self-protection. It’s a practice—one that, like yoga, requires patience, awareness, and a willingness to grow. As I continue on this journey, I remind myself that I won’t always get it right. But I can keep practicing, keep learning, and keep striving to meet conflict with wisdom and compassion. After all, the goal is not perfection but presence.
