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Detox can give real benefits

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Many of us are beginning the time honored tradition of spring cleaning around our homes.

For thousands of years acupuncturists have been following this tradition by performing cleansing detoxification treatments for their patient's health concerns during the spring season.

Acupuncturists believe that one of the most important ways to keep the body healthy and vital is through supporting the detoxification process. This is especially important today because we are exposed to so many potentially harmful chemicals.

There are many different types of toxins that can effect our bodies in harmful ways. Heavy metal toxicity from lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic or aluminum is very common.

Heavy metals can wreak havoc on our normal health functions by accumulating in the kidneys, brain or other vital organ systems in the body. Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning may include fatigue, pain, digestive problems, anemia or mental emotion dysfunction, to name a few.

Liver toxins are another category of chemicals that can cause symptoms of disease in the body. These include medications, alcohol, smoking, pesticides, herbicide, food preservatives and many others. Some chemical toxins have been linked to increased risk of cancer, respiratory allergies, depression and neurological symptoms.

In addition to external toxins we are exposed to from the environment, an unhealthy body can produce many toxic substances internally. One example may be an accumulation of imbalanced hormones in the body. This is often seen in people who suffer from premenstrual syndrome or menopause syndrome.

Other types of internally derived toxins are those excreted from bacteria and yeast in our digestive systems. These microbial toxins have been linked in contributing to autoimmune disease, asthma and allergies.

It is safe to say that we all have some level of toxicity and a little spring cleaning of our bodies would be a great benefit to our health. Knowing this, doing a seasonal detoxification program is one of the best ways to revitalize the body and prevent disease.

Some of us have very clear symptoms of toxicity, while others have no symptoms at all. This is similar to a house that seems clean at first but when you look deeper you see a lot of dirt and grime. Acupuncturists have traditional diagnostic tools to investigate each organ system looking for clues that may indicate toxic accumulation. For mote severe symptoms modern methods of diagnosis are helpful to reveal specific toxicity levels. These can be tested for by using urine analysis, hair mineral analysis and blood analysis.

Acupuncture helps to cleanse the body by painlessly activating the pathways of detoxification. By improving circulation of energy and blood to the liver, kidneys and lymphatic system we can revitalize the bodies natural ability to rid itself of disease causing toxins.

In addition to acupuncture, vitamins, minerals and herbs are essential for encouraging uetoxirication. fn'ese naturaf substances can also help to repair the body from damage caused by chemicals.

Proper nutrition is very important during any detoxification process. For example, enough daily protein helps to give the body the energy it needs to expel toxic substances safely. Drinking clean filtered water and gentle exercise is also essential to aid the the detoxification process.

Spring is great time of the year to revitalize your health. A seasonal detoxification cleanse is an amazing way to accomplish this.

Although there is no one size fits all when it come to detoxification, there are many safe and natural therapies to help cleanse the body and dramatically improvement your health. Happy spring cleaning!

Saiah Schneider, MS, Lac, is the director of East Asian Medicine and the Acupuncture practitioner at The Natural Health Center of Medical Lake. He can be reached at 509-299-6900 or online at www.inlandnaturalhealth.com for more information or talks on detoxification programs.



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© 2011 Cheney Free Press Cheney, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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