Dr. Willow talks April 5 Carp Ridge spring cleanse

CARP – There’s a very good reason to hold a cleanse in the spring, and Carp Ridge EcoWellness Centre’s Dr. Katherine Willow tells us why as she gets set to host a day long session Saturday, April 5.

The Carp Ridge EcoWellness Centre will host a spring cleansing retreat Saturday, April 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carp Ridge studio (2386 Thomas A. Dolan Pkwy.) led by Willow herself.

It will be a day of light or no eating, new intentions, meditation to cleanse the mind, yoga detox poses, emotional healing and fresh air. You will also learn the basics of designing your own longer cleanse based on your Ayurvedic body type.

“It’s about teaching people what cleansing is, how you do it and why you do it,” Willow told West Carleton Online Tuesday, April 1. “Spring and fall are the best times to do it, when the body is stable. In summer and winter your body is working hard to stay cold or hot.”

Willow, a naturopathic doctor who has been teaching and leading cleanses for more than 40 years, says the body often gives signs it’s time to cleanse that you might not even know are signs.

“Classic symptoms, colds and flus, are sometimes the body’s breakthrough events to force the body to cleanse,” Willow said.

Willow says there’s seven different cleanse routes the body can take.

“Different body types need different types of cleanses,” she said. “We’ll help you identify what type you are.”

There are also emotional and physical cleanses.

“If you are feeling grief, anger, resentment, those can be signs you need to cleanse,” Willow said. “You might need a total reboot.”

Willow says there is current research that shows cleanses aren’t just for the hippies and do actually work.

“Research in animals show cleanses can extend lifespan by up to 20 per cent,” she said. “That can be decades for humans. It should be a regular part of physical health.”

Willow says the day will start with a cleansing smoothie for breakfast, and for those who wish, there will be two types of cleansing lunches available.

“Attendees will see how easy it is,” Willow said. “It’s not fasting or liquids. It’s very flexible.”

The retreat is limited to 20 people and costs $125 plus HST, but Willow says they will accept “by donation” for those who really want to attend.

“People can call us if they have questions,” Willow said. “We want to make it accessible.”

For more information, or to register, you can contact the Carp Ridge EcoWellness Centre at 613-839-1198, click here or email info@ecowellness.com.