Detoxification and Cleansing

Detoxification is a common starting point of treatment for naturopathic doctors who
recognize modern life overburdens us with toxins. These toxins, in turn, cause a variety
of symptoms and health complaints. The main organs for toxin elimination are the liver
and kidneys, and therefore detoxification treatments are designed to stimulate their
function. The possible steps of detoxification are:

1. Dietary changes: Eliminate red meats (beef, pork), alcohol, sugars (especially
   refined or added sugars) and coffee/caffeinated beverages for 2‐3 weeks.. The
   liver and digestive system must work harder to process these foods that often
   are consumed daily. The liver can be cleansed more effectively and will work
   better if the food burden is alleviated. Any foods that you are sensitive or
   intolerant to should also be eliminated.
   
   
2. Exercise – Walking briskly (you’re slightly out of breath if trying to talk) for 30‐
   45 minutes per day, 4‐5 days per week. The muscles used for walking massage
   the lymphatic system to assist the elimination of toxins. Dry skin brushing is an
   alternate idea to walking
   
   
3. Contrast hydrotherapy – Alternating hot and cold towel applications, plus
   gentle electrostimulation therapy, improves digestion, flushes the liver and gall
   bladder and promotes stool elimination. Colon hydrotherapy (irrigation) is an
   alternative therapy.
   
   
4. Fiber and Probiotic supplementation – Fiber promotes stool elimination, and
   softens the stool. Toxins eliminated by the liver will be held by the fiber rather
   than be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Probiotics (healthy, beneficial
   bacteria for the intestines) restore a healthy balance with yeast (Candida) and
   bacteria. This promotes healing of the intestines, eventually reducing toxins
   that enter the bloodstream through a permeable (“leaky”) intestinal lining.
   
   
5. Multivitamin – to ensure your body receives all the vitamins, antioxidants and
   minerals needed for optimal functioning.
   
   
6. Detoxification support: homeopathic, herbal and/or nutritional supplements
   that stimulate liver and kidney function. Your naturopathic doctor will
   recommend products based on your health status and history.

Castor Oil Packs

Objective/Goal: to reduce inflammation, and aid detoxification of liver and through other
digestive organs

Materials:

1. Castor Oil: organic or USP grade (does not have to be suitable for ingesting, i.e. food grade) but preferred if it’s not much more expensive
   
   
2. Flannel cloth: approx. 3 ft. by 1 ft. (will be folded in 3 layers)
   
   
3. Plastic wrap
   
   
4. Heating pad or hot water bottle
   
   
5. Plastic bag

Description:

• Pour castor oil onto flannel cloth to dampen the entire piece.
• Fold the flannel in 3 layers.
• Place the flannel over the abdomen (or area of pain), starting over the liver.
• Place a piece of plastic wrap over the flannel, and place the heating pad/hot water
  bottle over that.
• Sit/rest with the pack in place for 20‐30 minutes.
• Please do this every day for at least 2 weeks.

Store in refrigerator between uses (to prevent rancidity). You can warm the pack up under
heating pad/hot water bottle before using.