Wellbeing

Lynne Franks

Our columnist reveals how she’ll be using the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine in her annual detox

This January we see the start of the Year of the Rat, my very own sign in Chinese astrology, which identifies me as quick-witted, resourceful and smart, with strong intuition and fast responses. That is the good news, but it also suggests that rats lack the courage to be a leader, which is certainly not my experience, but hey ho!

Even though I don’t necessarily agree with all aspects of Chinese astrology, I am a huge believer in the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is based on the body’s vital energy (also known as qi) circulating through channels or meridians, which are connected to our body’s organs and functions.

The practice of TCM, which includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage and exercises like Tai Chi, also promotes a nutritional balance of healing, seasonal food. And there is no better time to follow a TCM eating plan than during a start-of-the-year detox. I try to clean out my body seasonally, particularly after the Christmas holiday period when I can end up over-indulging. Like any regular detoxer, I try to combine a complete clean out which includes mind and spirit, alongside my body. And, in my opinion, there is nothing more effective than a TCM-based detox.

Chinese Medicine is a Pandora’s Box when it comes to sharing ancient wisdom based on simply observing and following nature’s patterns. Alongside the practical knowledge of TCM, Chinese astrology is believed to give valuable insights on how to best use tendencies and possibilities for the coming year. In Asia, people from all sorts of different backgrounds follow Chinese astrology tips to decide when to make decisions ranging from business investments and the timing of crop planting to those impacting their personal development, health and relationships. When I was in Bali, I saw that their local annual calendar even advises when to have your hair cut or go to the dentist.

The Chinese have proved that a long-lasting life full of energy and good health is based on two things – how we nourish ourselves and how we detox accordingly. Detoxification is one of the body’s most essential functions and for centuries has been a regular part of many traditions in the form of events such as Lent, Panchakarma, Yom Kippur and Ramadan. The Chinese believe that early spring is the best time for a detox following winter, when we store, preserve and hibernate. Spring symbolises new beginnings, fresh energies and a chance to let go of what we do not need to hold onto anymore.

I have been working with TCM nutritionist Ursula Peer for many years and I know that when I eat the food she recommends and follow her advice, I have more energy, mentally and physically. This is why I am thrilled that she will be joining me at my Hub in Somerset at the end of this January when we will be jointly presenting a very special 2020 detox weekend retreat.

Ursula will be delivering carefully researched Chinese astrological tips for the year, alongside delicious detox meals and guidance on how to make them. And I will be working on how to clear out what no longer serves you emotionally and practically, creating the time and space to bring in all the new projects and abundance for 2020.

If there has ever been a year’s end when we have needed to get rid of a lot of ‘stuff’ it has been 2019. There has been so much fear, confusion and a general feeling of hopelessness in everything from politics to the environment. And as we enter this new decade, it really is time to look ahead with positivity and re-write our stories.

My personal commitment to 2020 and the Year of the Rat is to stay as grounded and balanced as possible, eat seasonally and well, treat others as I wish to be treated, spend time with my loved ones and never let go of my purpose and vision. What’s yours?

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2020 by joining Lynne and Ursula Peer at their annual TCM Detox at The SEED Hub in Somerset on January 24 and 25. Details for booking can be found at hubatno3.com