Detoxing for Fall: A Look at the Organ Systems

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Good Morning!

 

Detoxing for Fall: A Look at the Organ Systems

 

Detoxification is a process that occurs within our bodies on a

natural and continuous basis. Detoxifying is the process of releasing

accumulated toxins and waste products that build up throughout our

system. From birth, we are bombarded by toxins, externally from

environmental sources and internally, our organs give off waste

products that accumulate in our body. Imbalanced emotions also play a

part in polluting our system with excess chemicals such as free

radicals, homocysteine and cortisol.

 

Detoxifying is, in many ways, an easy process. Our body does much of

the detoxification process through urination, defecation and

perspiration. As our bodies age and our immune systems weaken from

illness, poor diet and/or addictive substances, we sometimes need to

give our system an extra helping hand. That is why conscious detoxing

is a great way back to optimum health.

 

For some, counting on a few cups of coffee, having a cigarette,

drinking excessive alcohol or doing recreational drugs has become a

familiar habit. Between all the medications, refined foods,

additives, alcohol, pesticides and other chemicals we are exposed to

in the environment, the ability of our systems to adapt and detoxify

can become challenged.

 

Symptoms such as frequent or reoccurring colds, feeling heavy,

sluggish or tired, poor skin, acne or other related skin problems,

allergies, a thick, coated tongue, bad breath, headache, and feelings

of gas and being bloated after meals may indicate problems in the

body's functionality and it's ability to process, digest and excrete

properly. These vague symptoms that are often overlooked tend to be

the results of a congested and sluggish body system.

 

Exposure or toxicity to food additives, solvents, pesticides,

herbicides and other toxic chemicals can cause a number of

psychological and neurological symptoms. Toxins produced by bacteria

in the gut can be absorbed, causing significant disruption of body

functions. Toxins that the body are unable to eliminate build up in

the tissues, typically in our fat stores.

 

One of the best ways to start your detoxification is with the body's

biggest organ, the SKIN. A detox diet strengthens the organs involved

in detoxification and releases stored toxins, expelling them through

the organs of elimination: the skin, as well as the intestines,

liver, lungs, kidneys, and lymphatic system.

 

 

Top 10 Tips for Detoxing

 

1. Eating a diet that focuses on fresh vegetables and fruits,

legumes, nuts and seeds and whole grains are extremely important.

 

2. Regular exercise, which gets your body moving and sweating.

 

3. Quality sleep, where you do not have trouble falling asleep,

staying asleep and wake feeling rested.

 

4. Avoiding drugs and excessive alcohol. The problem is not only

illegal substances like cocaine, heroin and marijuana, but we are

solicited constantly by legal substances that pollute the body such

as habit forming sleeping pills, excessive antibiotics that destroy

not only the bad bacteria, but the healthy bacterial flora and the

constant ads for alcohol.

 

5. Nutritional and herbal supplements to protect and enhance liver

function, the kidneys ability to process and the digestive system's

regularity,(discussed below).

 

6. Improving our mental/emotional process by stopping the mental

chatter, approving and accepting ourselves and loosing the emotional

baggage that drags us down.

 

7. Taking a spiritual approach by looking beyond the little things

that get in the way and accepting and trusting the " Universal Power "

or energy to guide you. Take a look at the big picture!

 

8. Decluttering the toxic waste around you including the clutter in

your home/office, the friends or loved ones that poison your thoughts

and actions and the environment that is making you sick.

 

9. Knowing that YOU are in control of your life.

 

10. That you have the power to do something about that will make a

change.

 

 

Traditional and Detoxing

 

Traditional (TCM) is the oldest, continually

practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the

world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years

based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically

tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly

educated practitioners. is a total system of

internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based

on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal

medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It's foundation is based on

the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and

Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.

 

Traditional detoxifies the body system through the

organs, primarily:

 

The Lung and Large Intestine

In TCM, the lungs are an organ system that opens directly to the

exterior. It's function is to regulate and control the breath through

inhalation and exhalation. Because of its opening through the nose,

the lungs are easily susceptible to cold, heat, dryness, dampness,

and most of all, heat and wind. This can effect the biggest organ of

the body; the skin. The lung is closely related to the large

intestine. The large intestine controls the transformation of

digestive wastes from liquid to solid state and transports the solids

onwards and outwards. It plays a major role in the balance and purity

of bodily fluids and assists the lungs in controlling the skin's

pores and perspiration. It depends on the lungs for movement via the

expansion and contraction of the diaphragm, which works like a pump

to give impetus to peristalsis by regulating abdominal pressure. The

lungs expel toxins through breathing, especially deep breathing. Deep

breathing stimulates lymphatic flow, which eliminates toxins. The

skin eliminates waste and toxins through perspiration. The colon

eliminates toxins from the liver and digestive tract. The lungs are

our attachment to the breath of life and the large intestines is it's

buddy. Incorporate deep breathing and exercise along with a tall

glass of psyillium husk to get things moving.

 

The Liver and Gallbladder

In TCM, the liver is the " farmer who cultivates " . It stores blood,

governs and regulates the blood, organizes the " free flow " of Qi

energy to promote circulation which cultivates our emotions, soothes

digestion, regulates menstruation and bile secretion. The liver

changes harmful toxins into substances, which can be eliminated

safely the colon or kidneys. The liver is our master cleansing organ

and the gall bladder is its mate. Enjoy a tall glass of water with a

1/2 lemon squeezed into it.

 

The Spleen and Stomach

In TCM, the spleen transports and transforms food and body fluids for

transporting, for absorption, raises the body energy and controls the

blood by keeping it in the vessels. When improper function occurs

with the Spleen there is weight gain, high cholesterol, hypertension,

bleeding disorders, dampness and a heavy sensation, muscle weakness

and atrophy. The blood and lymphatic system transport waste and

toxins to other areas for elimination, including cellular waste. The

stomach is the center of our 'gut feelings' our immune system center

and the spleen (pancreas) is it's associate. Eat the cleanest, purest

foods, that are the least processed. Enjoy health probiotics found in

yogurt and acidophilus. Avoid greasy, fried foods.

 

The Kidneys and Bladder

In TCM, the kidneys store our essence or the basic materials that

make up our constitution and the reproductive fluids that create

life. All organs are dependent on the Kidneys for proper growth,

reproduction, water flow and control and the balance of " fire and

water " . The liver sends water soluble waste to the kidneys, where

they are further filtered and passed through the bladder for

elimination. The kidneys filter nutrients and waste from the blood.

The kidneys are our major filter and the bladder is it's friend. Boil

4 cups of water and a handful of corn silk. Drink this tea for

amazing results.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/detox.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit