Nourishing Our Vital Chi - Learning from the wise woman's way

Nourishing our vital chi is key to optimal health and wellbeing. Springtime beckons renewal. Our consciousness naturally shifts from a more inward (yin) and quiet orientation to a more active and outer (yang) one.  During the winter months we tend to a more sedentary lifestyle. Our bodies too, seek a quieter repose eating a diet rich in fats to build up layers of insulation to keep us warm. 

 Toxins accumulate in our fat, in the tissues and fluids, with the removal via the circulation, blood and lymphatic systems. We also eliminate toxins through our kidney, colon, skin and lungs. The liver however is the main organ to break down these toxins and therefore the most important organ to replenish on a yearly or by annual basis.

 The Wise Woman's approach to replenishing is unique in that unlike the heroic belief of a century ago where we puked, poked or purged  to eliminate the "impurities"  the Wise woman's way knows as we  nourish, replenish and revitalize our chi deeply from within, what that is not pure will naturally eliminate itself.  As this may take more time, the benefits are well worth while and long lasting.

 Of the last few years I have lived the Wise Woman's approach to health and well being with my guide and teacher Susun Weed.  "A female centered tradition of self love, being respectful of the earth and all her creatures, the Wise Woman tradition tells us that compassion, simple rituals and wild herbs and whole foods heal the whole person and maintain health, wholeness and holiness."

 If you are pregnant, nursing or with very high or low blood pressure, hypo-hyper glycemia or have diabetes the guidelines below are not recommended without the guidance of your doctor or a certified health care practitioner

REPLENISH OUR VITAL CHI

 For 1 to 2  weeks  while  "replenishing your vital chi" it  is  recommended  to eliminate  all  foods  considered  "junk food" such as baked sweets, refined sugars and alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs and stimulants such as coffee or caffeinated tea.

  Day 1 and 2 Eat whole grains such as brown rice, barley, rye, spelt, kamut or oats in whole grain breads, dark leafy greens, colourful vegetables, legumes (beans), fruits, nuts, seeds and  fish.  Eliminate refined flour, pasta, animal food and all dairy products.

  Day 3 and 4 After adjusting to a more wholesome natural diet focus on eliminating foods, which are a little harder to digest. These are protein rich foods such as nuts, fish or legumes. By the end of day 4 eat only whole grains, (no bread) vegetables (raw or steamed) and local fresh organic fruits and homemade juices. Consider reducing how much you eat, as this will also optimize the nourishing process and give the entire system a break. Remember to chew your food well.

 Day 5 (up to 3 days) Juice only freshly blended organic fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Make and drink as much as you require to feel satisfied.

Day 6 After you have done at least one full day of juicing and (up to 3 days) begin to break the fast.  Eat local organic fruits and lightly steamed vegetables for the day. Continue to drink healthy juices and broths.

  Day 7 Begin to re-introduce solid foods again with freshly steamed vegetables, whole grains and light protein if you require something more substantial. Take your time and re-integrate a balanced healthy diet, becoming aware, as you add food to address old dietary habits (allergies/food sensitivities) that no longer serve you. 

VITALITY

 By the end of day 7 (to 10 days) "feeling good" with increased vitality and greatly improved digestion are but a few reasons why for centuries people have taken the time to practice this ritual.  Our bodies seek it.

 Below are a few other mindful ways to approach our nourishing ritual with nutritious whole food, healthy juices, broths, dry massage and wild herbs. 

WHOLE FOOD NUTRITION

 Add any nourishing food/ super nutrition to your blended drinks such as aloe vera, bee pollen, micro algaes - spirulina & chlorella,  goats whey, cayenne, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder,  honey, maple syrup and flax hemp or borage oils. Ground flax, pumpkin or sesame seeds are excellent to stabilize your blood sugar while removing sludge from the intestinal tract. 

FRUIT JUICES 

Homemade electrolyte lemonade boosts the immune system and restores the absorption of fat. Made with 3 organic lemons peeled (pulp on) + 1 pear Add 3 tbsp. flax, olive or coconut butter plus 1/2 tsp. of celtic salt. Blend with raw honey or maple syrup to taste.  Drink a glass upon rising and throughout the day.

Combine a 1/2 litre of organic carrot juice with 1/2 litre of celery, parsley and beet.  This juice is excellent for those who crave sugar.

A combination of apple and ginger make a delicious warming juice combo for those of you who feel cold. 

VEGETABLE BROTH

Drink a cup of  miso broth or make your own with a variety of vegetables simmered for one hour and strained. Add a pinch of cayenne to stimulate the circulation. Drink a cup at least once/ twice a day.

WET MASSAGE

Wet sauna massage, and skin brushing with a dry loofa daily before showering will enhance the bodies' natural ability to eliminate waster products from of the system. 

WILD HERB AND SPRING TONIC

A number of wild herbs greatly enhance the natural process of elimination.

One can either choose to focus on 1 herb like dandelion root and take it as a tincture, eat them in abundance and/or combine it with a blend of herbs for  a "Spring tonic" for amazing nourishment..  

Herbs that come up first in the spring like the stinging Nettles, Red clover and Dandelion/root and leaves are excellent for replenishing the liver. The bitter/cholagogue herbs are important in that they increase elimination and secretion of bile and improve the absorption of fats and fat-soluble nutrients and toxins. A protective liver herb such as Milk thistle is also useful in a herbal tonic blend to protect the liver from the harmful effects and elimination of toxins. Adding an aromatic and carminative herb such as peppermint and/or rosemary are also bitter, creating a synergistic effect, improving the blood to the organ and have a balancing effect on the entire digestive tract.

Individuals who habitually use alcohol, coffee and tobacco or sweets may wish to drink a herbal tea as well, to ease the cravings and to help the body rest.  Skullcap, Valerian, Passion flower, Oatstraw, Chamomile & Lemon balm are a few good ones to suggest. Enjoy.