What is a detox?


Detox is short for detoxification and is a natural way of cleaning out harmful toxins from your body. The human body is capable of detoxifying itself as it has 7 biological systems to rid the body of waste: the blood, colon, kidneys, liver, lungs, lymphatic system and the skin.

Many people believe that our body’s biological means are enough and that engaging with a detox is unnecessary. But these days we absorb toxins in such large amounts that our bodies easily get overwhelmed.

Some symptoms that can occur as a result of too many toxins in the body include:

  • headaches,
  • indigestion,
  • frequent illnesses or infections,
  • inability to lose weight,
  • mood swings,
  • skin conditions,
  • hormone imbalances,
  • infertility

If you experience any of these symptoms then you will benefit from a detox.
The premise is simple: you give your body a break by actively supporting your detox systems. This includes being conscious of what you let in and around your body. Lifestyle changes are one method of achieving this. This can involve altering your diet or switching to natural cleaning products in your home.

To make the most of your detox you will need a natural health practitioner (such as a Chinese Medicine specialist or naturopath) and supplements.

At AcuNatural Health our detox program lasts for 6 weeks and consists of 3 phases. Our detox program is tailored to you and we adjust each phase to your health and symptoms. We provide treatments and supplements to promote detoxing on a cellular level, separating already absorbed toxins from your system and then eliminating them. Our detox also cleans the lining of your gut, reducing the amount of pressure your large and small intestines are under.

A detox will be effective anytime throughout the year and in your life. However, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the season of spring is always the best time of year to do a detox.

Why spring?

In TCM the body is another part of nature and subscribes to the same rules and patterns as plants. Your body:

  • thrives in summer (so long as it has enough nutrients, water etc.);
  • begins to slow down in autumn;
  • rests during winter, and;
  • wakes up in spring.

Your body is full of energy in spring, more so than even summer, because it has spent several months resting and recuperating. As the weather begins to warm up your energy increases and starting a detox in spring makes the most out of this rampant and natural energy.
You will benefit from doing a detox in spring because your body will direct more focus and energy towards flushing out toxins. This means the detox will take effect quicker and more efficiently which results in relief from symptoms and reducing risk of more chronic issues.

It is important to note that in TCM there is good energy and bad energy and spring will grow whichever energy is dormant inside. Many people get sick during spring because the bad bacteria they caught in winter have spread throughout the body as their energy increases with the warmth of spring. A detox at this time is a good way of counteracting bad energy and boosting your immune system.

A detox, in its simplest form, is a way of both pushing out the bad energy in your body and increasing the good energy. This improves physical health, mental health, energy levels and quality of life. Starting a detox in spring will allow the body to best prepared for summer, extending your good health and positive attitude.

People detox because they feel amazing afterwards. Anyone can do a detox; it works as a way of resetting the body but also as a way of treating more chronic conditions. Although you can start a detox any day of the year, the best and easiest time to begin is in spring.
Stay tuned for future articles explaining how your skin, gut and lymphatic system can tell you they need a detox.