Spring’s Forward Momentum
Authored by Anne C. Willis 

A few weeks ago, I got so excited when the leaves on the plants sitting outside the De La Terre Skincare showroom and store began to peek from underneath the security blanket of the earth.  I could feel my body warming, my skin expanding, and a letting go of what “both” had been holding onto all winter.

Springs forward momentum lifts us from the slumber of winter where we have disappeared under the mantle of our being.  During these months of hibernation, we say good bye to one year and we celebrate the entry into a new one. All while making plans, formulating new ideas, and determining our direction for the coming year. Then spring hits and we can’t wait to put our plans into action. But first we have to clear the way….

At the core of Seasonal Transitions is the principle that nature governs what skin requires as it cycles into a new phase of wellbeing. Blood vessels are at the core of that spring cycle.  As they begin to rise from the insulation of the body’s fat they begin to swell.  When this happens, blood becomes less viscous which means it has a greater capacity to release stored fat, viruses, bacteria, mucus, waste, and toxins. This is one of the reasons why spring is considered the season of natural cleansing and detox.

De La Terre Skincare follows the principles of Chinese Five Elements in which spring shakes up the energy of the liver and gall bladder, which are both systems of purification and detoxification.   

The Five Elements theory states that each of the five elements has a corresponding emotion that is associated with each organ system.  The emotions associated with liver and gallbladder are feelings of irritability and anger. These emotions take hold when we become impatient because the plans we have been ruminating on all winter, are not sprouting at the rate we want them to.  That pent up frustration can lead to headaches, migraines and even high blood pressure.  These emotions influence the over activation of the liver/gallbladder and this can lead to rising heat to the skin.  So, the key is to move forward during the spring months at a rate the body can manage without overwhelming it.  Because, if you don’t, it has the great capacity to slap you down until you treat it with the kindness it deserves.

Foods that are helpful for your spring transition

Many foods that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants can assist your body’s natural ability to cleanse and detoxify itself. Not only can these foods help your body remove toxins, but they also provide nutrients that you need to lead a healthy life.  

Engaging in a 6–8-week naturopathic diet can alleviate all kinds of physical ailments during the spring months, such as achy joints, eczema, psoriasis, acne, digestive disorders and allergies to name a few. This means no flesh (meat, chicken, turkey, fish). No alcohol, caffeine, sugar, wheat, or dairy.  No stimulants whatsoever. If you need guidance with a natural cleanse you can book a consult with our office.

Check out these nine foods that can help with natural cleansing:

Asparagus

Asparagus contains glutathione, a well-known antioxidant that promotes detoxification. It is also a good source of fiber, folate, iron, and vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as being beneficial to those with high blood pressure. Asparagus is also known to help the kidney and bladder cleanse itself.

Broccoli

Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which is great for fighting off infectious cells in our bodies. Eating broccoli also helps your body fight off cancer-inducing chemicals, and boosts the liver’s ability to clear harmful chemicals from our bodies.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is loaded with nutrients including vitamins A, C, and B1, as well as pantothenic acid, fiber, potassium, and biotin. Enzymes found in grapefruit may also break down the fat in your body to help promote waste loss. Please note that grapefruit may interact with some medications, so you should speak with your primary care provider before increasing your grapefruit intake.

Avocado

Avocados are loaded with antioxidants that help your body expel harmful toxins. A nutrient-dense food, avocados contain around 20 different vitamins and minerals that help decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Kale

What’s the fuss over kale? I think they hired a really good PR firm personally!  Packed with amino acids that help keep your mind sharp, kale is also beneficial for managing cholesterol. Kale can also help with managing blood pressure due to its high levels of magnesium and potassium.

Artichokes

Give your liver a break! Artichokes provide a wide variety of nutrients for your blood and liver. Two phytonutrients found in artichokes help the liver produce bile, which is important in the digestion of fats.

Collard greens

Collard greens are rich in sulfur-containing compounds that support your body’s detoxification process. Not only are they high in vitamins K and A, but collard greens may also lower your risk of breast, colon, and lung cancers due to indole-3-carbinol.

Beets

Beets are a high-antioxidant vegetable that are also rich in nutrients. Beets contain betaine, which helps the liver rid itself of toxins, as well as a fiber called pectin that clears toxins that have been removed from the liver. Beets also get blood moving.
 
Spinach

Spinach is low in calories, but packed with nutrients. Spinach contains vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as thiamin, folate, calcium, iron, and magnesium—the list goes on! Flavonoids in spinach help keep cholesterol from oxidizing in your body by acting as antioxidants.

Herbal Teas

De La Terre Skincare | Purifies Herb Rich Tea is a unique loose leaf blend that contains chickweed, dandelion, nettles, self-heal, chamomile, and a small amount of licorice.  We suggest drinking 2, 3 cups a day during the spring months. This caffeine-free tea will aid in the natural cleansing of the body, reduce heat generated by an active liver/gallbladder function, support digestive function, and enhance blood and lymphatic movement.  It may be applied topically as well to soothe and alleviate itching due to detox and to clear the surface for renewal and new growth.

Spring Skin Care

At this time of the year, we have the rare opportunity to witness how nature starts to increase movement in all living things.  Skin is no exception.  As the temperatures warm and the sun illuminates our skies longer throughout the day, all that has been waiting below skin’s surface emerges as new life. The forward momentum pushes away old compressed dead skin cells, while alerting chemical messengers such as hormones to meet the need for growth, repair and reproduction. These messengers also prompt an immune response thereby increasing production of oil and the production of melanin.  

The skin sweats more in the spring thus releasing waste and toxins via pores. As the skin naturally cleanses itself waste and toxins can leave skin itchy and irritated.  The skin may experience occasional breakout along with feeling rough as dead skin cells detach due to the forward momentum from below.

After months of cooler/colder weather and layers of moisturizer to prevent dryness, our skin begs to be freed from all those layers. But nature teaches us that we shouldn't take something away from our skin or cause it harm during the process of spring detox.  So, De La Terre Skincare offers the perfect product that dissolves skin build-up, while providing an abundance of herbs that help to restore skin's equilibrium, while also nourishing and feeding newly exposed skin cells.

Herb Rich Clay is a natural enzyme powder that is to be applied to the skin 2x a week during the spring months.  In addition to being a natural enzyme, Herb Rich Clay is also a treatment product that will stabilize symptoms associated with inflammation, sun damage, impurities, or neglect. Therefore, Herb Rich Clay comes in four botanical blends, so pick a formula that addresses the dominating skin symptom that is preventing skin from recovering.

1. Comforts is for skin that demonstrates redness or naturally flushes.
2. Rescues is for skin that requires an intelligent approach to aging. It is also recommended for skin that has been exposed to the sun and needs renewal and repair. Not for Inflamed skin!
3. Supports is for skin that has been neglected. Which means it is to be used if you haven’t been applying DLTS products daily and rarely use skin care topicals. Not for Inflamed skin!
4. Purifies is for skin that is oily and breaks out. Pores are obstructed due to impurities. Not for Inflamed skin!
   
   

Purifies Mist is a must during March, April, and May.  Using the mist topically will reduce itchy, irritated skin due to detox.  Breathing in Purifies Mist will help with seasonal allergies, and loosen mucus as it works to exit the body.  This active elixir is a fan favorite with our clients, due to the refreshing aroma of peppermint and fennel, and the calming benefits of lavender and sandalwood. Burdock is the key botanical in Purifies Mist that helps to get things moving.

Purifies Serum is the most effective topical for keeping skin hydrated, while modulating excess oil that occurs during the spring months.  This lightweight serum contains bioactive plant compounds like linoleic acid to prevent water loss. Purifies Serum also contains bioactive plant compounds like ellagic acid, phenolic and vitamin C, which reduces inflammation, improves pigmentation irregularities, and helps to heal blemishes.

Nature is full of transitions.  Spring invites you to leap forward into wellness through the best paired foods, mindful self-care, and De La Terre Skincare products.   By taking the time to acknowledge the shifts that occur inside and outside the body during each seasonal change, you can become closer to nature’s lessons for obtaining a healthy lifestyle.