By Xiaomei Cai, L.Ac., Ph.D.
The New Year is traditionally a time to re-focus our attention and energies. For many of us, this includes a renewed interest in our physical health. Taking the time and effort to “do a cleanse” may have become a trendy idea in recent years, but it is actually an age-old practice with many benefits.
Every day we are bombarded by toxins through processed foods, environmental pollution, chemical-based products, cell phones and devices, emotional and mental stress. All these toxic phenomena put tremendous pressure on the body. Toxins can cause us to feel foggy and fatigued, cause memory loss, anxiety, hair loss, weight gain, insomnia, constipation, hormone imbalance, rapid aging, and can even be one of the root causes of cancer and other diseases. It is so important to take time to detoxify the organ systems and get a fresh start. The Art of Wellness One-Week Detox program is an excellent way to cleanse the body and clear the mind.
Our Detox is not, like many store-bought products, just a colon cleanse. Following our program will release toxins from the deep tissues of the body, boost the functioning of the immune and liver systems, and strengthen Qi. The program works on several levels, using acupuncture, cupping, herbs (used internally and externally), nutrition and exercise.
The acupuncture portion of the program is designed to open up blocked pathways in the body, reestablishing connections between the organ systems. The herbal teas and patches will stimulate the kidney system and improve the functioning of the immune and reproductive . Herbal baths, aromatic and relaxing, also help to utilize one of the body’s most important excretory organs—the skin. Cupping treatments “vacuum” toxins from the lung, kidney and liver systems, while Tui Na and Qi Gong exercises massage the internal organs.
Detox participants will be given a food plan to follow for the week. This diet is not a fast; it consists of plenty of grains, greens and proteins, so it is both nourishing and filling. As Dr. Tan says, “hunger is not a solution.” The goal is to eat lots of clean, wholesome foods to strengthen the body during detoxification.
We recommend that everyone tries practicing a detox every six months for optimal health. Please call our office to get started on your New Year Detox Program to start a new, healthier year. We offer you our best wishes for your peace and wellness.
