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Saturday, February 11, 2012

The Master Cleanse begins!





So its that time of year again where I partake in my twice yearly cleanse. I usually do a full detox/ cleanse just after the summer, and close to the end of winter.

I'm going to start before the end of winter, because the Lenten season is earlier than usual. I find fasting helps not only the body, and mind to let go of the unnecessary junk and negative thoughts, but also lightens the spirit allowing for greater awareness to emerge.

When you fast your digestive system is given a huge holiday. So in essence you are allowing the energy that normally would go into digesting , assimilating and eliminating the food, to be directed to other processes, primarily detoxification.

Tips for cleansing:


Depending on what type of fast or cleanse you do, you will achieve different results. Not every cleanse is the same, and you should choose one according to your needs and goals. If you have never done a cleanse, are eating poorly, smoke, and drink alcohol it would not be advisable to start right off the bat on a water or juice fast. That would cause more stress to your system than good.

New to cleansing?

Decide where you are at with your health and diet. Perhaps you have gone to see your holistic health practitioner or doctor and been told your blood lipids were high (cholesterol) or your sugars are high (sign of possible Diabetes) or your blood pressure is high. You know you don't feel all too good, and lack the energy to get through your busy day. So now you have come to terms that lifestyle changes are a must.

Well begin with your diet. Clean it up. Get rid of anything that comes in a box, carton, bag, and can. It's all processed. Do that for a few months, along with incorporating psyllium fiber daily, superfoods and appropriate supplements such as PROBIOTICS. This way you prepare the digestive system for deeper cleansing. Shocking the body in any way, only serves to depress the immune system. And that is not the aim of cleansing.


Have you cleansed before? Looking for something deeper?

101 on the Master Cleanse:

I've been on cleanses numerous times, and have tried quite a few different types. My good friend Zak mentioned The Master Cleanse and I got curious. I've done some research on it and it seems like a good way to reset the metabolism, eliminate cravings, encourage gentle detoxification, and improve total energy levels, and vitality. So I'm in.

It is basically a 10-15 day fast where you drink a mixture of lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water throughout the day. It is not a no calorie or water fast. The maple syrup provides essential nutrients and calories. The combination of these ingredients is the key. All act synergistically to pull toxins from organs and cells.

You are encouraged to drink additional pure filtered water in addition to the lemonade. I would aim for 2-3L. Yes sounds like a lot, but during a cleanse you want to maximize the detoxification process as best as possible.

In addition to this a salt water flush daily is suggested to encourage the bowels to do their work.

The Master Cleanse relies on the premise of using the live enzymes from the lemon juice as alkalinizing catalysts. These encourage the liver and whole digestive tract to release toxic build up and restore organ functions.

Who should not do the Master Cleanse:

  • Pregnant or nursing mothers
  • Those recovering from an intense illness
  • Diabetics dependant on insulin
  • Those who have done very few cleanses or none at all
  • Those that require food to be taken with medications
  • Those looking for a quick fix to their weight problem. This is not intended to be used temporarily as a great way to fit into that dress for the wedding next week. The goal is to continue eating healthy, and not resort to the junk food lifestyle afterwards.

I'll blog about my Master Cleanse experience next week. I'm aiming for 7 days. It's my first time and it will be interesting what will unfold. We'll see how it goes...

If you have done it and want to offer your account and experience I would love to hear your story. Reply or email me at harmonyofhealing@gmail.com

Love and Light,

Namaste

Piera





Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Urban Yogi Wellness retreat in Dominican Republic






Ola mis amigos! I'm soooooooo excited!!!

I've got great news! My friend and colleague Zak Lioutas (check out her awesome site at www.zoewellness.com) , and I have organized an incredibly amazing retreat for anyone who is wanting a week of play, yummy healthy eating and a break from the Urban concrete jungle. We offer you an opportunity to awaken to your true Self, eat yummy whole food, learn some practical Zen tools for managing stress and healing disease, and you'll have a TON OF FUN in the process.


You are an Urban Yogi!

Ya?

You dig the city vibes, and live the urban groove and yet part of you feels a little disconnected from your inner Yogi. You know that inner part of you that loves a great yoga practice or wants to learn yoga, enjoys noshing on a goji smoothie and really craves a great hike away from anything remotely resembling a traffic light. The inner Yogi in you loves to commune with nature and feels refreshed and rejuvenated by it, especially after months at your desk and cubicle confines.

You even dabble in some quiet meditation practice and wish you knew how to incorporate it more into your crazy schedule. So when the fluorescents above you, have you drained and you feel the grind is just taking its toll, what does an Urban Yogi need to do?


RETREAT, RESTORE AND REJUVENATE!!


This retreat is for those of you who want to live more naturally, eat food that is not only tasty but completely supportive of your wellness needs, and learn how to incorporate some Zen and Yogic principles without resorting to unrealistic measures. We'll show you how you can Zen out and be the bliss and not have to give up chocolate, or sit on meditation pillows and chant all day long.



This retreat is also for those of you who:

  • Want a vacation in a eco friendly and sustainable resort, that offers completely organic food, amazing sites to visit including waterfalls and pristine private beaches and all the natural beauty that a tropical heaven has to offer. Check out the resort at : www.tubagua.com
  • Enjoys practicing yoga and wishes to deepen their meditation practice. Every morning you will practice a Vinyasa or Hatha style yoga/meditation practice that will set your whole Self in the right direction. All levels can partake! You will also learn how to incorporate mindfulness and present moment awareness into your daily life. We will offer you tools that you can take back home and keep the process of your Self growth flourishing.

  • Really wants to learn about managing the stress in their lives. If you are tired of feeling tired, unhappy in life, looking to change and don't simply know how or where to start, then you must join us for an adventure of your life! Living with more joy and abundance is truly possible.


  • Serious about learning new lifestyle habits that promote prevention of disease, healthy whole food nutrition, and the healing of our physical, emotional and spiritual dis-eases. Healthy eating doesn't have to be bland, boring or rely on expensive "superfoods". We'll offer a plethora of recipies, and you'll have 3 full cooking lessons using organic and yummy foods.

  • AND LOTS OF FUN!!! We encourage lots of play time and fun island
    excursions that will bring you closer to the latin vibe and culture like never before. We also offer nightlife party fun for those of you wanna get groovy on the dance floor. We're all about BALANCE.







Nothing is set in stone. You may choose to opt out of some activities or not do yoga one morning. That is fine, and we want you to honour your own process and needs. We want you to listen to that Yogi within ;) If you need some extra me time and want to just chill for the afternoon, its your choice. But I'm sure you'll fall in love with us so much you won't want to let go.... ;)


So that is a teaser. Stay tuned for more information and a Youtube video blog coming soon!

Spaces are limited to a small group of 15. So come join us! And REMEMBER this is a vacation that won't just remain in sunny Dominican Republic. You'll transform and be living the experience for the rest of your life!


Love you all,

Namaste

Piera