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Restorative Cleansing Detoxing Becomes a Journey of Purification by Shelley Bredeson
T
he word cleansing can conjure up a variety of thoughts and emotions for different people. Everyone has some level of experience with the term, whether it is through conscious efforts or routine. Cleansing is an ordinary life process that clears space for regeneration. It happens in the natural world through the passing of sea- sons and so-called natural “disasters” that are simply the earth’s way to cleanse and renew. We clean our homes and cars, and we clean our bodies to get a sense of a fresh start. Throughout cultures and time, humans have engaged in the process of cleansing to promote well-being and balance. Early indigenous peoples lived in close connec- tion with nature and viewed their bodies and being-ness as all-inclusive in the world around them. They attributed illness, scarcity and dysfunction to unbalanced relationship with Spirit. They enacted rituals that could include fasting, sweating, and utilizing massage and herbs to maintain, honor and restore their spiritual connections, nurturing harmony between all things. Ancient Egyptians may have been the first people to cleanse for aesthetic and physical health purposes, as well as a way to rid themselves from the influences of evil spir- its. Not only did they employ fasting, vomiting, bodywork and herbal concoctions, they also developed the use of en- emas for colon cleansing. The Greeks adopted the Egyptian cleansing methodologies and used them in conjunction with their scientific medical theories. Around the same in the East, the science of Ayurveda and acupuncture were being developed, which included body purification as a way to encourage and restore overall health. As the study of science and medicine continued, humans became more disconnected from the natural world and more dependent on technology. The spiritual aspect of humanity was assigned to the church, and medical science was split up between the science of the mind and the sci- ence of the body. The use of cleansing techniques became directed to specific singular circumstances, rather than as a tool for overall well-being.
In recent times more humans are resurrecting their
own connection of body, mind and spirit. Through this connection, we can better understand our relationship to ourselves, each other and the earth. Today, people choose to cleanse for any number of reasons. They may be moti- vated to lose weight, improve their health, increase energy or just look and feel better. They may seek a deeper con-
14 Northern & Central New Mexico
nection to their bodies and spirit, or just feel like it is some- thing they must do. Some believe that it is not healthy to cleanse the body, as it is designed to clean itself. These proponents often overlook the levels of toxicity in modern life. Not only has our food supply been poisoned in the name of progress through chemicals and genetic modifications, but the air we breathe, the clothes we wear, the things we clean our homes and bodies with, and even our thoughts are loaded with toxins the human body is incapable of processing. Cleansing is a powerful and necessary instrument to create vitality and change. There are many ways to achieve detoxification, and most involve the use of dietary restrictions, supplementation and colon cleansing. When approached from the perspective of body mind and spirit, cleansing can be completely transformational. Through mindful cleansing that honors and addresses the whole being, the experience becomes greater than simply detoxi- fying the body. It is a healing journey of purification and universal restoration. a
Shelley Bredeson is the co-owner of La Hacienda de la Luna wellness spa, lodging and retreat center in Bernalillo, NM. For more information about their cleanse and well- ness program visit
LaHaciendaDeLaLuna.com.
NewMexico-NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
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