The word ‘detox’ is probably one of the most misunderstood and overused words in the alternative medical field. Most times, it is thought of as a process that the body is put through to get rid of accumulated and unwanted toxins. During this programme, the patient is told to expect some reactions such as feeling tired, lethargic, unwell, nauseous and generally under the weather. These symptoms are explained as the body reacting positively to the detox programme.

Let me explain how I understand detoxification. Detoxification is a process that your body goes through naturally to neutralize, transform or get rid of unwanted materials or toxins. It is a primary function of the body, constantly working and interacting with all other functions of the body.

So when a client is on a detoxification programme, it is about improving and optimizing the function of your body’s own detoxification systems. This is done by decreasing the amount of toxins we put into our bodies while at the same time supporting and aiding our body’s detoxification and elimination systems. From this point of view, the patient should only, ever feel better whilst on a detox programme. A healing crisis should be avoided at all costs!

The body’s major detox organs are the liver, kidney and lungs. It is imperative that the function of these organs are evaluated before starting on any detox programme even if it only consists of fruits and juices. Natural foods can have a powerful cleansing effect on the body. If the detoxification organs are already weighed down with with toxic burden of the body, any form of detox will add to the work of these organs which could easily result in a healing crisis-the body is flooded with toxins with no way out.

One way of evaluating the health of the terrain and the of the detox system is by doing a simple saliva and urine pH test. The acidity of these bodily fluids will provide an indication of the state of your natural detox system.

Prior to starting clients on a detox protocol, I always do a pH evaluation of both urine and saliva and address any other issues that are signs of an inability to excrete toxins (e.g. constipation, infrequent bowel motions, urinary tract infections). If the values are outside the accepted range, the client is first started on a remedy that supports both kidney and liver function. Once the detox organs are up and running, they can then move on to Phase 1 of the detox protocol. In Phase 1, we concentrate on mopping up toxins in the circulation and lymph. This alone can have a remarkable effect on the health of the client. Having completed Phase 1, we move on to Phase 2, which focuses on cleansing the gut. The health of the gut is extremely important and has a huge impact on the health of the body in general. Skin conditions and mental problems (depression, insomnia etc) are two of the most common conditions that disappear in Phase 2. Phase 3 looks at cleaning out the extracellular fluid, Phase 4 in the intracellular areas and Phase 5 reaches as far as ischemic areas in the brain. 90% of patients feel amazing after completing Phase 3 and do not need to continue with the detox unless they want to.

Time and time again I’ve seen the benefits a good internal cleanse, that is done well, can bring. Above all, the clarity, energy and zest for life that a gentle, yet highly effective detox provides is invaluable. And this feeling is what my clients can’t get enough of!