TYPES OF CLEANSES

The major detoxification systems of the body are:

• Skin
• Liver
• Intestines
• Kidneys
• Lungs (to a lesser extent)

The body eliminates toxins by either neutralizing then or by excreting them in urine or feces. Toxins that are unable to eliminate tend to build up in the tissues, typically in the fat stores and bone. The majority of the naturopathic cleanses are geared towards the detoxification organs and eliminating toxins from them and at the same time protecting these organs and the body from any metabolites and free radical damage that may occur when the toxins are realized.

FASTING

One of the oldest and quickest ways to increase elimination if the wastes and enhance the healing processes of the body. Under Naturopathic Supervision and Care, this type of cleansing is helpful and has been studied in the treatment of obesity, chemical poisoning, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, psoriasis, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, bronchial asthma.

Usually done for 7 - 10 days. High levels of toxins are often mobilized in the blood stream and may reach blood levels toxic to the nervous system, hence they need to be carried out under supervision of your health car provider (physician or naturopath).

HYDROTHERAPY

Hydrotherapy is the application of hot and cold water to the various surfaces of the body, and had been used for the health promotion and detoxification of the body for centauries. It helps with the elimination and detoxification of various toxins from the skin, especially lead.

The contrast shower is a simple and convenient way to stimulate vitality and promote detoxification, as well as treat generalized areas of pain and soreness. The alternating between hot and cold water while you are showering to stimulate your body to heat itself up and cool itself down, in order to compensate. This temperature contrast helps strengthen and normalize the nervous, circulatory, endocrine (hormonal), musculoskeletal and immune systems and is excellent for helping the body cope with physiological and psychological stress.

SAUNAS

The use of saunas for detoxification purposes is an age old therapy. These are based on the concept that as the body sweats, toxins are released through the skin. Various types of saunas are available these days – such as dry heat saunas, wet heat and far infrared saunas. Infrared light effortlessly penetrates human tissue and activates thermal energy, creating a feeling of heat that is more pleasant for most people than the hot heat of a dry sauna.

Prolonged saunas (over an hour at a lower temperature) are thought to increase the excretion of fatty acids through the skin and thus fat soluble toxins. The detoxification benefits for of extended time, moderate temperature saunas include, and are not limited to:

• Increased fat breakdown and growth hormone production
• Increased excretion of fat – soluble chemicals (such as PCB’S) – HENCE THEY MUST BE USED WITH CARE AND UNDER SUPERVISION)
• Increases excretion of trace minerals
• Increases excretion of heavy metals

Saunas are contraindicated for pregnant women in their first trimester, young children and elderly people with heart problems.

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