Detox Mind and Body

Detoxification is a term thrown around a lot by various kinds of Natural Therapy practitioners and it often confuses people as to what exactly is going on. I will attempt to explain the most common types of "Detox's" done and what they are designed to achieve for you in the following article. The thing to remember here is that we are only assisting or stimulating the body in it's own natural processes here, not performing miracles! Do not think that this is a quick fix for taking things you shouldn't have! Common Detoxifications The most prevalent "detox" by far is the Liver Detox. The liver is a major player in the body's metabolisation of fats etc as well as a filtration organ helping to filter out wastes and toxins as well as playing a role in insulin levels and body heating. Poor lifestyle choices will generally lead to a sluggish liver function and it is a good idea to clean it out a bit so to speak. The herbs Milk Thistle, Dandelion Leaf and Root are most commonly used in "liver detox" preparations along with other supporting herbs. A diet of raw foods, fresh squeezed juices and low red meat intake will help to rid the liver of any toxins as well as they all create a mild diuretic effect. During liver detox you can expect to experience some head aches, possibly more frequent urination and bowel movements too. Probably most overlooked is the energetic effects of liver detox. During a liver detox, one should keep the intake of fresh water well up to help in the flushing out of toxins. A liver detox dispels excess heating from the body and can have the patient feeling a bit cranky as well. This is good as this needs to be expelled also. This is a good time to meditate and notice what these irritations are and to watch them pass by or get an insight into how to remedy them. These detoxs are prescribed for differing amounts of time according to your situation and general health and can often be done a few times per year to achieve a final outcome. Afterward the patient will generally feel more energetic and have a general feeling of wellbeing. Fasting is sometimes used for this or in conjunction with. This should only be done by experienced practitioners and is very effective when done correctly. Ongoing liver support herbs like Milk Thistle are usually taken to insure proper and healthy liver function thereafter. The next most common kind of detox is the "Digestive Detox" and it is often done in conjunction with a liver detox as they compliment each other well. This involves sometimes a period of fasting to "empty out" the digestive tract followed by a period of taking herbs such as Slippery Elm and taking fibre rich supplements as well as increased Magnesium. These all stimulate the body's natural mechanisms of waste removal. During either of these detox programs water consumption needs to be kept up to insure proper hydration is maintained and therefore the entire process is kept "flushed out". Water is the bodies great cleanser so it is need at this time and failing to acknowledge this can hinder progress and have toxins re-entering the body causing nausea and headaches. Energetically the patient can feel like letting go of some "crap" as well and this is fine, just do not aim it at anyone! Again this is a good time to get away and be alone and meditate as to what the causes are and so on. Normally a person will find themselves going to perform bowel movements more often during one of these detox's and that is ok but you need to make sure it is not excessive, that is not good. For this reason these, like any other kind of detox are best done under supervision. Once it is over, you find yourself feeling very well indeed and having more energy than before. The last kind of detox I will talk about here is the "Heavy Metal Toxicity" detox. As it's name would suggest it is about ridding the body of a build up of toxic metals and minerals in the body. This must ONLY be done under direct supervision of a Naturopath or other suitable professional as there are some very profound effects of this type of detox. They are very good and are very strenuous. Not one for your average person but if recommended by a professional. The spiritual aspect of a detoxification is one of cleansing the body and the mind of wastes and old garbage hung onto way past it's use by date! Often people will want to be alone to under go a detox. That is good as long as you are aware of what you are doing. These are prime times to introspect and observe the inner calamity and discard any old junk that is holding you back from blossoming into a full lotus. Also, there is a follow on and vice versa effect on body and mind, meaning, clean body, clean mind, clean mind, clean body! A clean, clear mind and body will greatly further your journey to enlightenment and only enhance your personal growth.