Spring Clean your Body

We spring clean our house, but how often do we spring clean our body? Fasting, or abstaining from solid foods for a time, assists the body to cleanse. By eliminating food, the enormous energy required to digest food is released and put to the task of spring-cleaning the body. The liver and entire digestive system is given a well-earned rest.

Fasting begins as soon as you stop eating. There are many types of fasts, and the duration will depend on your work commitments and physical and mental state. Each person is different and will respond differently to fasting, so listen to your own body. However, there are some basic rules:

• Consult your physician or naturopathic doctor before undertaking a fast if you are on medication or have any medical condition.
• No smoking or drinking alcohol, coffee, or tea. You may want to cut down consumption of these items gradually in the weeks before the fast.
• Discontinue vitamin supplements.
• Two days before a fast, eat light foods: mainly vegetables and fruits.
• You may want to try a fresh-foods diet as an alternative to fasting to begin with.
• Allow yourself to rest when you feel like it during the fast. You may experience discomfort, headaches, dizziness, and nausea as toxins are eliminated.
• Avoid stress and concentrate on positive thoughts.
• Fast on vegetable and fruit juice (freshly extracted), pure water, or herb teas. It is important to drink at least eight large glasses of water a day.
• It is important to have a bowel movement once a day while fasting. Use senna leaf tea, linseed tea, yellow dock root and burdock root decoctions or capsules, or enemas if necessary.
• Exercise regularly: walking is ideal.
• Resume eating gradually after fasting. Start with a piece of fruit or lightly steamed vegetables. Take two to three days, depending on the duration of the fast, to resume normal food intake. Never overeat.

The benefits of fasting can be enormous. It allows the body to throw off toxins and regenerate tissue, and it can result in heightened self-awareness. If you decide to fast for longer than three days, seek guidance from your physician, naturopathic doctor, holistic nutritionist, or other experienced practitioner.

Detoxification
Toxins are poisons which manifest in the body at varying levels of potency. They are constantly introduced into the body through the food that is consumed, through the air and through water.

Additionally, our bodies also produce a variety of toxins as waste products or as by-products of the various metabolic processes. Gradual build up of these unwanted, and quite simply, poisonous substances can lead to ill-health (infection) or even disease. Despite this onslaught of toxicity, the body has a remarkable capacity to detoxify such toxins, that is, to break them down in such a manner that they become either less toxic to the body, or are converted into innocuous substances that are eventually excreted. The role of the liver is fundamental in keeping the toxins in the blood at a minimum level such that we remain illness-free. The immune system is also a key player in this detoxification process, as are the circulatory systems that assist in the removal of the toxins to the excretory organs. In this respect, the blood and lymphatic system are vital systems in supporting the crucial role of the liver and associated detoxifying organs in maintaining optimum health. Herbal tonics that revitalise these organs help a great deal, especially if they have been neglected (through poor diet, or damage). This particularly applies to the liver since it is the first port of call for detoxifying any toxic substances that have entered the body (through the gut or via the bloodstream).

Toxic build up is an inevitable part of all metabolic processes that occur in the body, although the liver’s ability to make them less harmful is very impressive. In this respect, it is worth noting, not the actual number of times we fall ill but in fact, the periods of time in which we remain symptom-free.  Without this vital function we will continually suffer illness and disease. Poor dietary habits over a long time can impair the vital detoxifying function of the liver and some of the more harmful substances that we consume (like alcohol and prescription drugs) can even damage the liver cells, making them less able to cope over time. This explains why so many with poor diets and lifestyles are perpetually run down, lacking in energy, have lost their vitality and are prone to infections. Herbs which are notable in assisting the functions of the liver are dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and fringetree (Chionanthes virginicus) amongst others. Some of these herbs are commonly included in herbal tonics for this particular purpose. Equally, they are also prescribed by herbalists for conditions that have a metabolic basis.

The eastern philosophy of fasting is now also commonly practised by some in the West as an active choice in adopting a healthier lifestyle. Some of the world’s major religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam have well established traditions in fasting and with scientific knowledge, it now appears that regular fasting is an effective way of cleansing the system of toxins and optimising health & well-being. Provided that it is done sensibly, vital body systems, particularly the digestive system, the liver and the kidneys have an opportunity to rest, preventing not only their exhaustion (when illness can set in) but eliminating any potentially infective agents that are lying dormant within the systems.

Herbs for Detox
Much has been written about and publicised on the subject of detox and detox diets. Commercial interest must be viewed with some caution and much of what passes for ‘detox’ is simply good nutrition, sensible eating combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Considering the amount of ‘invisible’ toxins in the environment, common medications, lifestyle habits and toxins consumed in food, it is perhaps easy to see how almost everyone in a Western society can expect to suffer from some degree of toxicity. In the worse case scenario, the toxic burden on these vital organs has been known to be a major contributory factor for some forms of cancer, particularly cancer of the bowel.

The body has its own natural detoxifying organs: the liver, the kidneys, the digestive system and associated organs and structures. The elimination of toxins from our cellular environment, including those from foods must consider the efficient functioning of all these organs systems in addition to a good circulatory system. Proper nutrition, a well balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are all factors that will assist this process and prevent toxic overload on these vital structures.

Our diet has a very important part to play in detoxification. Consequently, what we consume can assist our organs and there is some excellent literature on the foods that are recommended for this purpose (see recommended reading at the end).

I focus on the liver here as it is central to ‘detox’. It is essential to appreciate that the health of the liver is directly dependent on the type and quality of the food that is consumed. Though it carries out essential detoxification, like any other vital organ, it has its own nutritional requirements in order to perform its function of repair, regeneration and rebuilding.

In a nutshell, foods to cut out are those that are rich in refined sugars (such as cakes, biscuits, chocolates, sweets etc…), pre-prepared or ready-made meals, foods containing hydrogenated (or trans) fats, alcohol and drugs (including tobacco). Examples of the kinds of foods that are beneficial to the liver in its health and hence, its proper function are listed below. These include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Herbs and spices are also beneficial to the liver. Some of the more common ones which are great in any detox programme include the following:

• Garlic
• Onions
• Fennel
• Radish
• Dandelion

FRUITS		VEGETABLES
Lemons	Contains an important chemical which assists in the breakdown of gallstones. Also contains pectin, a soluble form of fibre which is good for bowel health (prevents constipation) and lowers blood cholesterol. A good source of vitamin C too	Artichoke	Helps reduce cholesterol and other fats in the blood. Improves the detoxification, repair and regeneration capacity of the liver. Also protects against liver damage
Apples & Oranges	Both contain pectin which prevents constipation. Also helps reduce cholesterol in the blood. Apple contains a host of important nutrients incl. antioxidants which can help protect against cancer. Oranges are a good source of vitamin C	Brussels sprouts	Part of the brassica family (other examples are cabbages, turnips, broccoli, cauliflower and swedes so helps in the detoxification processes of the liver. Increases oestrogen metabolism and excretion so thought to confer protection against some of the oestrogen-dependent cancers, particularly breast and uterine cancer
Grapes	Excellent for preventing heart disease (contains important chemicals called proanthocyanidins) which are also antioxidants so will help prevent cancer as well	Cabbage & turnip	Cabbage, one of the oldest of the brassicas, and the ancestor of broccoli and cauliflower. Cabbage, like other brassicas, is high in sulphur, so excellent for liver health. Helps in the detoxification processes and confers protection against cancer through its antioxidant activity. Similar benefits from consuming turnips but both the leaves and root need to be eaten.
Pineapple & Papaya	Both contain naturally-occurring enzymes that help breakdown protein from food so will help digestion. Also contains cancer preventing antioxidants	Broccoli	Broccoli, another popular member of the brassica clan has similar benefits to the liver
Grapefruit	Contains important nutrients, antioxidants and pectin. A key player in liver detox reactions	Leeks	Highly nutritious and contains key antioxidants such as the bioflavonoids. Also contains sulphur compounds which assist in the detoxification role of the liver
Berries esp dark red, blue or black	Contain high levels of proanthocyanidins and bioflavonoids that help protect against major diseases like heart disease and cancer also contains other important nutrients such as vitamin C and carotenes (both have antioxidant properties)	Watercress	Rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene. Also contains sulphur. Both are excellent for the liver

Excerpts from the book:
Title: Modern Living, Holistic Health & Herbal Medicine – improving health & well-being with herbs and lifestyle changes Author: Yaso Shan Contributions from: Dr. Catherine Whitlock; PhD Foreword: Miss Jenny Seagrove
Date of Publication: 2011 Publishers: Booklocker Inc.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Yaso-Shan/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3AYaso%20Shan 

Healing Camp in San Mateo, Rizal PH

By: Fleets Errasquin and Ronnie Bernardo

"The Healing Village " last November 17, 2012  held at Symbios Holistic and Wellness Sanctuary was indeed a success, participants were all happy and satisfied with the food which is Locavore , the lectures, encompassing the body mind and spirit topics, the indigenous rituals appreciating the environment, which includes the Babaylan and prayer for the nature spirit and the place itself, the Symbios a place of serenity and peace. 

Guests are welcomed by lush, green shrubs, towering bamboo trees, to fill the the sanctuary with lots of fresh oxygen, free sun therapy (natural vitamin D). Going down the healing village involves a lot of footwork  a meditative walk down the wellness sanctuary.

Ms. Fleets Errasquin 

of Healing Partners and The I Can Serve Foundations (Cancer support groups), a Wellness advocate, Cancer survivor without Chemo and the inventor of the "Fleeting Boobs", an artificial prosthesis for patients with mastectomy, experiencing the "VORTEX" (center of healing energy )at Symbios.

Attendees composed of holistic health buffs, Biovitale holistic clinic staffs, GINHAWA (Growth in wholeness and well-being associates), Healing partners ( cancer support group) and AMAC (Alternative medicine practitioners). These souls gather together in oneness at the pavilion amidst swaying leaves of towering trees and bamboos, tweeting happy birds, affirming croaking "butikis", dancing flickering "alitaptap" (fireflies at night) and the whistling abundant brooks.

Lecture on natural medicine by Dr. Sonny Viloria, a pioneer in Natural, Holistic and Complimentary Medicine always emphasize: cleansing, detox, nourishing and balance of energy in his treatment model. To "treat the cause of the disease NOT the symptoms" says Dr. Viloria.

Leah Tolentino, artist, healer, spiritual teacher, facilitator of wholeness and well-being, active proponent of GINHAWA prepared the guest for grounding. She also teaches healing movements, gratitude, liberating the dance of life- the lows and highs, twists and turns of our sacred path, stretching bodies and soul, dancing our body-soul stories.

Tibetan meditation gong (bowl) prepare guest for meditation and inward work

The food is Locavore style (local and organic), organic, non-GMO, root crops, corn, sweet camote, fresh ampalaya salad, banana heart salad, organic free-range native chicken tinola, Laing, fresh bangus, organic rice, watermelon, pineapples, fresh tanglad (lemongrass)-camote tops-mint juice.

Banana heart salad

Fresh watermelons and boiled camote

fresh lemongrass-camote tops-mint tea (so healthy and refreshing)

Lugaw totong or "lilot balatong" in Ilocano

Vegetarian pancit canton

The Babaylan, represented by Ms. Jenny,  an Indigenous people of Cordillera shared many things about the culture, tradition, long lost healing arts of their ancestors. She strongly defends her indigenous heritage and Igorot legacy with pride and respect for her ancestors' traditional way of healing. 

An Indigenous cordillera salutations, a very old tradition of mind, heart and hand greetings was also the teachings of Hindu Shiv Shakti hand, head and heart mudra according to our Hindu guest and healer Kanchan.

Kanchan Sadhwani , also a spiritual healer, shared some personal experiences on healing, wrap up spiritual-emotional issues beautifully

Speaker Emmylou Fillamor, shared her astral travels, spirit encounter and spiritual healing.

The Babaylan dance therapy uses gongs, bamboo sticks, flutes sounds in unison for wholeness. The uses , the purposes of indigenous musical instruments explained.

GINHAWA group: What kind of cup would you like to be? cracked, broken, defective, empty, smooth and whole ready for refill? the choice is yours.

The HILOM group blessing and enjoying the freshness of spring water (bukal), natural mountain water cleanses the aura!

The program ends well with final tuning up with the divine power conducted by Leah Tolentino.

Internal Cleansing and Detox

Our Calamansi (Philippine Lemon) is good for cleansing regimen for hepato-biliary system and digestion,
and alkalizing body and curing Acid-reflux syndrome 

De-clogging your elimination channels:

Internal cleansing literally means sweeping our system and wipe it off clean of any debris, putrefied byproducts and so on, It is de-clogging our circulatory  urinary, lymphatic, digestive, pulmonary system of metabolic wastes and toxins than could block the absorption of nutrients and functions of our systems. What are those elimination system?:

Urinary system : Kidneys and the ureter

Pulmonary: Sinuses and lungs

Skin

Digestive: Intestines, colon and anus

Lymphatics (lymph nodes, spleen and liver)

Ears

Internal cleansing is a method of eliminating and getting rid of toxemia in our system using oral solutions, herbs, teas and fasting and other natural substances, compare to the other method that I discussed here about mechanical detoxification which uses instruments and devices to get rid of toxins, here we use herbs, teas and herb cocktails to cleans in absence of those mechanical devices. It is really a necessity to cleans and detox our body since we are now living in a toxic world, we can not fully absorb the nutrients and make use of it if our digestive and liver or circulatory system is full of toxemia. We can not totally avoid those toxic food and environment, but we could do detox internally and mechanically if we do so, Cleansing and detox helps get rid of body odor, halitosis and even cancers.

Ways to cleanse internally:

Water therapy especially in A.M. , drink lots of it before taking your coffee, hydrate and wash away excess food taken from last day meal.

Fasting: They say that the best way to cleans is to fast, and deprived cancer cells feeding from your toxins.

Liver Cleanse: 4-10 pieces of fresh Calamansi in a glass of lukewarm water to be taken every morning before breakfast. 

Bentonite clay: Please read my post on "Healing Clay".

http://bridgetoselfhealing.blogspot.com/2012/05/i-used-to-have-book-on-healing-powers.html

Senna tea: Cleanse the digestive tract to be taken before sleep at night, bowel discomfort maybe experienced.  

Activated Charcoal capsules/powder: adsorb and trap away toxins, bad odors/breath
http://bridgetoselfhealing.blogspot.com/2012/05/health-benefits-of-activated-charcoal.html

Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon in a glass of water to alkalize the body before any meals. If you have sodium issues like hypertension limit the use to once a day and to 1/4 teaspoon, and try to avoid other sodium laden foods like bottled drinks, canned and processed foods.

Lemons

Calamansi (Philippine lemon): Cleanse the liver as well

Psyllium fiber (could be mixed with charcoal): .Very rich in soluble fiber and good for those who wants to loose weight. One sachet or one tablespoon mixed to your drinks (water or juices) before any meals, it could become sticky and gelatinous if not taken right away. 

Fruits and vegetable fibers- They absorb more water and cleans the lining of intestines

Read again some of my posts that can relate to cleansing:

http://bridgetoselfhealing.blogspot.com/2012/07/mechanical-detoxifications.html

Are you looking for suggestions for detox that you can creatively mix and match if desired? First, stop consuming toxins. That includes all processed foods, junk foods, sugar and sugar substitutes, and fluoridated water.

Do you follow a healthy lifestyle that cultivates longevity?  ask yourself and take a firm and determined stand to give our body and self a favor, Cleanse and Detoxify.

Mechanical Detoxifications

The author trying out Laser or Blood Irradiation Therapy

We had discussed most of Internal cleansing and detox, now there are also mechanical way of doing it.There are a lot of ways to detoxify mechanically using instruments, new inventions, gadgets and apparatus are now available today, I will mention some that I was already experienced and used, some are quite expensive if you buy the equipment yourself, but I can recommend a place where you can avail them in case you want to try it out for yourself, Health really is an investment and certainly not free, It pays to be healthy and being healthy these days will really cost you. the advantage of some mechanical detox is that it is fast and effective. Here are some that I really enjoyed.

Helium-Neon Laser Chelation/Blood irradiation Machine

This machine is very popular and in fact developed from Russia, It was being use also by some hospitals in China and Taiwan. In the Philippines it was already being use during the 70's and 80's but to a more selected clients because at that time it is not a quite popular treatment, now more and more clinics and physician are using this technology.

Laser Biochelation is a Russian technology which uses Helium Neon Laser to:

1. cleanse or to disintegrate the plaques attached to the walls of the circulatory system within the heart and the peripheral arterial system and soften the blood vessels as it eliminates the heavy metal deposits within the walls of the arterial system.

2. it stimulates the production of new generation of young blood cells

3. has anti inflammatory and analgesic effect

Helium-Neon Laser was introduced IV to cleanse and detoxify the blood

It's me having a Laser Bio-Chelation Therapy  

Beam Ray (Light and Sound frequency machine)

Using Light and Sound frequency to destroy the harmful bacteria, parasites, viruses and cancer cells inside the body.

Royal Rife was an independent scientist who invented the most powerful live optical microscope in the 1930s. He was the first to see many germs in their live state, including viruses. He applied frequency generators to catalog at what frequencies the germs were destroyed. His frequency generator device is generically called a rife machine. They tried commercializing the rife machine during the 1940s and 1950s but failed to do so and the technology was almost lost

Ionic Foot Detox

The Ionic Foot Detoxification idea is a controversial one. Defenders are amazed at the evident toxins expelled from the body and the positive effects on their overall health. Detractors say that the same "toxins" will be seen after running the foot bath with no feet in it at all!

So what is the truth about the many ionic foot detox baths available out in the marketplace? The idea is that the device emits negative ions into the water. With your feet placed in the ionically charged bath, the feet are said to shed heavy metals and other toxins. Additionally, the negative ions entering the body at the feet bind with and neutralize positively charged heavy metals and toxins, which are thus neutralized and can be evacuated by the body's excretory system.

Natural Cures: The therapy is thought to be good for overall detoxification of the body, improved joint health, improved circulation, reduced fatigue, and a stronger immune system among other positive health effects.

Me having foot detox  

Bio-Zapper

In 1994 one year later, Dr. Hulda Clark came out with "her invention" of a simple electronic "Zapper" and published the schematic diagram in her book, "The Cure For All Diseases". That same year, the PAPIMI Device is patented worldwide, and is the most expensive energy machine made. You can check it on the Papimi website. It weighs over 80 lbs and costs $57,000 USD and has been rated as "the best" anywhere, world-wide.. It operates by combing the high-voltage Magnetic Radiation energy theory of Tesla's energy coil, and combines all the selected frequencies of Dr. Raymond Rife. The result is a fine machine costing a fortune, but is an energy life-saver. It works so well it is used in many of Europe's hospitals.

Far Infra Red rays Bath:

Far Infrared therapy (FIR) involves the use of Far Infrared rays to gently heal, soothe, stimulate and detox the physical body, as well as the mind.

Far Infrared Rays are invisible waves of energy that have the ability to penetrate all layers of the human physical body, penetrating into the inner-most regions of the tissues, muscles and bone.

An ancient technique, Far Infrared Therapy uses these waves, or rays, of energy to slightly elevate the surface temperature of the body. When we slightly induce a very small temperature increase, we can enhance our body’s functioning on multiple levels. Our hands, bodies and the sun emit FIR energy at all times. In Ancient China, palm healing was used to pass these infrared rays from one person to another.

In modern times, it is commonly referred to as Reiki. The Yogis of Ancient India also used FIR in palm healing, and particularly found it useful to place palms over the eyes in the case of eye dryness or strain. Many types of thermal healing have been used in ancient civilizations including Japan, China, India, the Americas, Northern Europe and ancient Rome.

Far Infrared Health Benefits

I am a huge fan of using Far Infrared as an aid in detoxification. I have found that this type of therapy may help in fat loss, chronic fatigue, water retention, skin disorders, as well as in the elimination heavy metals, poisons, and carcinogenic material from our bodies.
Whenever we process food, and particularly when we have processed unhealthy food or meats, our bodies create lactic acids and free fatty acids, as well as excess sodium and uric acid. In my patients who have skin problems, I have often found that this type of therapy can help clean the liver and kidneys, instead of overworking the skin in processing our toxins out through the dermis.
Far Infrared therapy very gently increases blood flow by expanding the capillaries that carry blood. It also increases oxygenation and regeneration of the blood, deeply detoxifying it for the improved functioning of all of the major organs in the body which depend on blood for energy. This detoxification is on the deepest level, allowing hidden toxins in the blood and tissue to be dissolved or immobilized.

Through the subtle heating, Far Infrared boosts our immune system, increasing the amount of white blood cells and killer T-cells. It is an excellent therapy for promoting healing, reducing muscle soreness, muscle spasms and relief for rheumatoid arthritis. Research by NASA has shown that far infrared on the cardiovascular system was a great way of keeping astronauts hearts’ in optimal condition.
Far Infrared can also increase the processing enzyme activity in our digestive tract, as well as boost metabolism. An hour of this therapy can burn up to 900 calories, showing excellent results in breaking down trapped fat, waste, cellulite and other forms of toxic substances. The rejuvenating effects of Far Infrared has been shown to help heal scar tissue such as burn scars, acne scars and other forms of dermatological scarring.

The sweating quality that comes from Far Infrared Therapy truly helps us detox from the enormous levels of pollution in modern times. It also is crucial for pain relief and the reduction of inflammation. Clinical studies done in both the United States, and in Japan, found that:

Herbal steam (Suob):

You may use any rice cooker and boil the herbs of your choice, like mango leaves, in my case I love the aromatic smell of Eucalyptus leaves and twigs, it gives my house instant aromatherapy, then cover yourself with a cloth/linen (kumot), I have tailor made a cloth for this using umbrella cloth, the steam will expel the toxins through your sweats and infusing your body with therapeutic scent of the herbs. 30 mins is fine. My friend's clinic have a modern equipment and device for commercial use of herbal steam that is not quite messy and easy to use.

VENTOSA/ CUPPING/ MOXIBUSTION:

Best to fight "Lamig and Pasma", or Cold wind, Our skin and tissues cannot expel out toxins during "cold wind", these toxins are metabolic waste of cells, tissues like skin that could accumulate as "hangin, lamig, pasma or nodules" that can cause body pains and stress.

Me having a relaxing  ventosa, it is a stress buster for me, It was done at home with my personal instructions to my hilot, (therapist). I used a modern type ventosa and the traditional (glass bulb type) given as a gift from a friend's trip from  Taiwan.

Oxygen Therapy/ O2 Bar

Therapeutic massages such as Hilot (Traditional Philippine Massage), Reflexology, Shiatsu, Swedish and Lymphatic drainage massage, are all form of mechanically cleansing and detoxifying our body using a manual and personalized technique. I highly encourage everyone to have one, once in a while to increase blood and energy flow and for our body to expel all those toxins and for the lymphatics to be drain of  this toxins.