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Introduction to Detoxification

Many conditions that are generally considered a normal part of aging may be related to toxicity in the body. Without going into extensive detail, toxicity develops in the body when substances that are "unfriendly" to the cells in the body are somehow introduced into the body and cannot be eliminated. These substances include, but are not limited to food additives, pesticides, petrochemicals, and heavy metals. Since they are not eliminated, the body must find a place to store them where they will do the least immediate damage. They are stored somewhere in the cells of the body, often in fat or in particular organs like the liver or kidneys. Over time these toxic substances accumulate and begin to inhibit the proper function of the body.

 

The fact is that unless you live in the jungles of the Amazon or a similar environment you probably have toxic substances stored in your body. Obviously, it is a good idea to get them out. However, caution should always be taken when undertaking any type of detoxification program because toxic substances are introduced into the blood that can cause adverse reactions. It is important that the elimination systems be functioning well in order to get rid of the toxins that are released by the body. The best practice is to detoxify under the supervision of an experienced healthcare professional.

 

It should be clearly understood that detoxification is much more than just a "colon cleanse". A good detoxification program will often start with a cleansing of the digestive system. But a complete detoxification approach involves removing toxins that have been stored in the cells of the body. There are six critical steps to any detoxification program

  1. Ensure the digestive organs are functioning well

  2. Strengthen the energy in all the elimination organs (kidneys, lungs, liver) to ensure they are working optimally.

  3. Coax the toxins out of the cells.

  4. Flush the toxins out of the organs.

  5. Get the toxins out of the body.

  6. Rebuild the organs.

What can you do?

 

Detoxification is a serious business, and you should proceed slowly. It is not uncommon to experience feelings of discomfort like aches and tiredness as you move the toxins out of the cells and back into the blood stream. This is called a "healing crisis". Use common sense and if these feelings become too intense back off a little and see a healthcare practitioner.

 

The first step is to change your diet to concentrate on lots of vegetables and fruits. Cut back on meats of all kinds, but red meats in particular. Notice that this does not mean eliminate red meats. A good rule of thumb is to limit meats to no more than one serving that will fit in the palm of your hand per day. If you can reduce to 4 or 5 servings per week, that is even better. Next, go to a local herb shop and find a good digestive cleansing product. There are many available and a store with a qualified herbalist  will be able to give you good advice. Many of the commercially available products schedule the cleanse over 30 days. Also check into a good product for rebuilding the digestive system. If your digestion is poor consider digestive enzymes and a pro-biotic of some kind. The Light Tools Pain Buster can also be used directly over the navel for about 20 minutes per day to dramatically improve the digestive health of the body.

 

While you are cleansing the digestive system you can strengthen the energy in the elimination organs. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) has a protocol for supporting detoxification that uses energy point locations for stimulating the lungs, the liver, and the kidneys and for quieting the mind and spirit. These NADA energy points are all located in the ear, but the basic theory of the protocol can be also be taken to points located on the body.

 

The NADA protocol, adapted for non-auricular use is an excellent protocol for the first step. The recommended points to use with the 8ight action discs are as follows.

·      LU-1 (Lung Turbocharger)

·      KI-7 (Kidney Boost)

·      LV-8 (Liver Boost)

·      PC-7 (Heart Peacefulness)

 

I suggest adding ST-36 and ST-25* to these points to aid the digestive organs. Establish a rotation protocol to stimulate all these points for a couple hours over a two day cycle. For example, use the patches on LU-1, KI-7, and LV-8 for two hours on each point on one day, then use them on PC-7, ST-36, and ST-25 for two hours on each point on the next day. Take one day off, then start again.

 

Use common sense and if there is any discomfort immediately stop using this protocol for a while.

 

 

The previous steps can be considered as preparation for more complete detoxification.

 

At this point in your detox process it makes a lot of sense to visit a healthcare practitioner with experience in detoxification. They will be able to recommend specific herbs and homeopathics to get the toxins out of the organs and eliminated from the body. Apex homeopathics are excellent for this total detoxification, but they can only be obtained through a health care professional.

 

If, however, you choose to detox more on your own, then there are many "liver cleanse" and "kidney cleanse" products on the market. Your herbalist can point you in the right direction. There are many other detox products on the market. Take care in selecting them.

 

In any detoxification effort, it is critically important that you drink plenty of spring water. Use an additive available in health stores to increase the hydration in your body. With patience your detoxification will be successful. Remember, though, if you keep putting toxic substances into your body, the detox will not have a lasting effect.