Mainstream MDs are starting to recognize benefits of detox known in other cultures for thousands of years

A Medical Doctor's Opinion of Detoxification

by Dr Leong Y.H.

December 21, 2012 The Day Everything Changes What Will Happen to You? Download Survival Guide!

Detox (detoxification) is a term that has come into popular use in the last decade or so but only within the realm of alternative or holistic Western medicine.

Conventional, mainstream (allopathic) medical practitioners have yet to latch on to this concept, since they're only trained to treat diseases and symptoms specifically without treating the patient as a whole.

However, the concepts associated with detox have been recognized and practiced in traditional Chinese (and other Asian, e.g. Indian Ayurvedic medicine) society for at least 3,000 years.

Basically, detox is about:

1) Recognizing that the body is exposed to toxins in the environment through the foods we ingest and the air we breathe; and

2) Adopting a systematic approach to help the body cleanse itself of these toxins and avoid further exposure to toxins.

Detox methods include dietary changes, fasting, supplements, exercise, yoga, meditation, improving the environment (using CFC-free hairsprays for example). New Age methods include aromatherapy, salt baths and skin brushing.

Do I believe in detox? Well, most of it is plain simple common sense, such as: proper diet, judicious supplementation, adequate rest, exercise and stress-relieving techniques.

I always believe that if the person's energy fields are harmonized and balanced (yin & yang), then his or her health will generally be good. I also believe that physical health follows mental and psychical health. So I'm a believer in the holistic (Western or Eastern) approach to health.

But I draw the line at certain things. Colonic cleansing to me is unacceptable and downright dangerous, as people have died from colon perforation, water intoxication and severe infections. The human intestines are self-cleansing. There's absolutely no need to do anything else except eat a healthy, balanced diet. Of course certain herbs and supplements may help someone with intestinal problems like dyspepsia, indigestion, wind and irritable bowel syndrome.

As for treatments such as saunas, foot baths, aromatherapy, etc, I feel the effects are psychological more than physiological. If you feel good after a good long soak in the bath, then you'll probably be more relaxed, less stressed out, get better sleep, and generally have better health. So there is no harm there.

Massages and spa treatments basically also do the same thing. Spirit, mind and body must be in alignment for total well-being, a concept that's only recently been recognized in the West, but has been acknowledged in India and China for millennia.

Leong Y.H., M.D. is a western trained medical doctor with a keen interest in Oriental medical methods. His websites are http://www.quick-pain-relief.com and http://www.chinese-culture.net.

December 21, 2012
The Day Everything Changes
What Will Happen to You?
Download Survival Guide!