Individual perception of health varies, making it difficult to define health without reference to the absence of illness. The mere absence of disease, however, does not truly constitute health. Lowered vitality, anemia, weakened immunity, and accumulation of wastes and toxins all lead to inharmonious vibration in the body and resultant tissue destruction. The decay is insidious until we experience the aches and pains normally associated with aging. Incorporating the practice of annual cleansing and detoxification will not only help regain, but also maintain your health so that your later years are productive and joyful.

How do you know if you or your family needs cleansing and detoxification? The answer is, "Everyone needs cleansing and detoxification at least once a year." Many of us have forgotten what being healthy really feels like. We are deluged with pollutants in our air, food and water, physical inactivity and emotional stress wear down our bodies, and our souls yearn for deeper meaning and greater love in this life. Taking the time to do an annual cleanse can promote your sense of well-being far greater than you can imagine!

Initial laboratory evaluation of the blood, urine, hair or feces may be recommended for treating certain conditions. Health renewal programs are individually designed based on where you are in the spectrum of health and life. In general, cleansing involves optimizing the organs of elimination including the lungs, skin, liver, intestines, spleen/lymph and kidneys. This is accomplished with skin sloughing, liver flushes, intestinal washes, kidney flushes, spleen support and lymph drainage using diet, herbs, nutritional supplements, homeopathy, massage, and water. If the organs of elimination are not open and working properly, toxins build up in the tissues and cannot be released by their normal pathways.

Intestinal health is the foundation for proper cleansing and detoxification. The natural balance of intestinal bacteria is easily disrupted by antibiotic use, improper digestion, and emotional stress and leads to a plethora of illness. Increased toxins are released from harmful bacteria causing inflammation of the intestinal lining. The intestines become "leaky" and allow particles into the bloodstream that do not belong there, which in turn overtaxes the immune system. Proper digestion and intestinal health is accomplished through dietary adjustments, stabilizing emotions, replacing normal bacteria and nutritional supplementation. Once intestinal health is improved, the liver and other systems can improve as well. The liver has built in toxin removal systems that become overburdened with exposure to excess hormones, toxins, pesticides, preservatives, food additives, medications, cleaning product residues and heavy metals. Nutritional supplements designed to support liver function are necessary for optimal toxin removal during cleansing.

Detoxification also involves clearing harmful thoughts and emotions. Disruptive thoughts of fear, worry, or mistrust affect your normal vibrational state. Emotions such as hate, jealousy, anger, frustration can do the same. Mind-body techniques such as counseling, guided imagery, relaxation, neuro-emotional therapy, or homeopathy are effective for restoring balance to the psyche. Journaling your personal growth during the cleansing and detoxification experience also proves very beneficial.

The final component for regaining health is nurturing the soul. So many times this aspect of treatment is forgotten or avoided, and yet it is crucial for optimal health. Prayer, meditation, or mindfulness practices are essential during and after the cleansing program. Shame or guilt, among other factors, can interfere with undertaking spiritual practices. A feeling of emptiness is often filled by overindulgence of one form or another. Building personal spirit by removing obstacles and feeding the soul will help you gain the strength and courage you need to pay attention to yourself as a whole and healthy being deserving of love and attention.

For example, one 36-year-old woman was diagnosed with fatigue, high cholesterol, excess weight gain, disturbed sleep, and school-related anxiety while attending college. Her health goals were to eliminate the anxiety and gain energy to complete her daily activities. Initial physical evaluation showed sluggish reflexes, dry skin, hair that easily fell out, weight 30 pounds over normal and slightly elevated blood pressure. During this consultation she shared details about her past family and personal relationships that had affected her as well. Lab work revealed high blood fats, one elevated liver enzyme, and sub-optimal thyroid function. Plans were made to begin a cleanse and detoxification program for her semester break that began in two weeks from that visit. She had an adventuresome spirit and wanted to complete a comprehensive program. The only cleansing element lacking was a gall bladder flush which was unnecessary because of surgical removal years prior. Her program consisted of the following therapies:

1. Daily meditation to create a sense of peace and tranquility and unity with creative energy.

2. Raw vegetable juicing using kale, beets, celery, parsley, and carrot for alkalinizing and cleansing the body and re-structuring of total dietary regimens.

3. Hydrotherapy using alternating hot and cold shower water to stimulate neuro-endocrine function.

4. A tissue cleansing herbal formula, bowel cleansing herbs, nutritional supplements, herbs for tonifying digestion and clays for removing toxins and heavy metals.

5. Colonic hydrotherapy using home enemas 3 times a week.

6. Nightly dry skin brushing before a magnesium bath and drinking yarrow tea.

7. Castor oil pack to the liver for at least one hour nightly. 

8. Yogic deep breathing for release of toxins from the lungs and to properly oxygenate the body.

9. Nightly journaling of emotions or physical changes that occurred. 

10. Office visit twice weekly for lymphatic massage, holographic memory resolution for release of stored trauma and to discuss any concerns.

The woman conducted the cleansing and detoxification over a two-week period. Symptoms experienced included muscle aches, fatigue, periods of increased or decreased energy, increased body odors and sweating. Her journaling experience illustrated that she was trying to hold onto old ideas and that her body was holding onto tension and toxins as part of that control. Once she gave proper release to these old notions using mind-body therapies, the cleansing process accelerated. In the end, she had more energy, better sleep and lost 6 pounds. Even after a month, her blood pressure and blood lipids were normal, thyroid function near normal, she continued to lose weight and was back to exercising. She had no episodes of anxiety and had more energy than when we first met. We continued care for stabilizing her thyroid and for periodic mind-body therapy to continue release of old traumas.

In general, a cleansing and detoxification program is specifically designed for each individual and is completed over 1 or 2 weeks. Modified cleanses can be designed to fit with individual lifestyle and time constraints, but will need to be repeated more often than once a year to achieve maximal health benefits. There are some basic preparations you should employ before taking on a cleanse:

1. Decide on a week/weekend in advance and discuss your plans with your physician or practitioner.

2. Buy organic foods whenever possible and avoid fried or barbecued foods.

3. Minimize exposure to toxins and pollutants.

4. Set aside a few minutes a day to focus on yourself. How do you feel, what thoughts are you having, what sensations you are experiencing, etc.

5. Prepare your immediate family/housemates by divulging your plans to enlist support in your efforts.

6. Remember to have fun. Choose your favorite music, list your favorite places for solitude or relaxation, and purchase your favorite fruits, vegetables, and grains ahead of time.

Most importantly, begin to develop faith — faith in yourself, your physician, your body, your creator and in nature. No matter how you proceed and progress, your intention to heal and become well is most important. Your spirit of adventure and enthusiasm will flourish in a program for health renewal. Caring for your whole self is an exciting time in your life. With the proper care and support, you can truly experience health.

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Dr. Debra Anastasio is a Naturopathic physician with a full time practice in Natural Health Associates, 2558 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 06518. Cleansing programs are individually designed after an initial office visit. Call (203)230-2200 to schedule an appointment.