Understanding the Detoxing Process (Part 2)

In Part 1 of Understanding the Detoxing Process, I shared three things I've learned. I hope they were helpful for you. 

Today I'd like to add four more insights about detoxing.

1) The detoxing process involves symptoms.

Before I started detoxing, I had symptoms all the time; they were symptoms of illness. After I began detoxing, some of my symptoms improved, but then new symptoms came up.

However, almost every time I called my herbalogist to tell her about a new symptom, she'd say "That's a good thing!" She helped me learn how to distinguish symptoms of illness from symptoms of detoxing. 

For instance, at different times I've had symptoms of ravenous appetite, skin rashes, inflammation, etc, etc. But as long as I knew they were symptoms of detoxing, then I didn't worry about them. I just kept doing my detoxing routine, and they eventually resolved.

A lot of people begin a detoxing program and then feel worse. Instead of realizing this is a GOOD sign, they get frustrated or discouraged and give up. 

(Note: It's very important to have a trusted health advisor/professional to help you through the detoxing process, because though usually you'll feel worse simply from detoxing, sometimes it's because something is wrong. You need someone who can help you discern which it is.)

So if you're beginning a detox program, be prepared that you will have symptoms. As the body cleans out the bad stuff, you will feel it. But if you persevere with the right program for you, you'll eventually see clear signs of improvement. 

2) Detoxing is like peeling an onion.

Some people have fewer layers of toxins than others. If we were comparing "onion" sizes, mine would probably win the prize at the World's Fair. =) 

For the first three years of detoxing, I mostly detoxed chemicals, toxins, medications, perfume, etc. Then over a year ago, I started detoxing old infections. I still can't believe how many ear, sinus, throat, strep, bacterial, viral, and fungal infections I've detoxed in the last year! 

My understanding is that since childhood I've had a low-functioning immune system. So even though I "got over" various infections all these years, most of them didn't truly heal. They just 'relocated' somewhere else in my body and manifested with different symptoms. Once my body cleaned out a lot of toxins, it began seeking out those infections and fighting to finally get rid of them. 

I'm thankful God created our bodies with this ability to keep peeling back layers until we're healthy once again! =)

3) Detoxing is like a stair-step process.

When I began detoxing, my body was so weak I couldn't talk or get off the couch. But after a few weeks, I was able to stand up and do stretches for about 45 seconds. As I kept detoxing, my body got strong enough that I was able to handle physical therapy. After a few months I could sit up in bed for a half hour and check my email. Etc, etc. 

If you're like me and you begin at the literal bottom of the stairs, be encouraged that your body will start where it can to get rid of toxins. Gradually as you have less toxins weighing you down, your body will feel stronger. Then it will target more toxins to get rid of. 

By the second year, whenever I'd finish detoxing some particular toxin, I'd usually have a day or two where I actually felt pretty good. I'd think, "Wow, I'm getting better! This is great!" Then the next day I'd suddenly feel much worse. My herbalogist explained that when I felt good, it was a sign of how much stronger my body was. And since it had gotten stronger, the next thing it would do is go after more toxins/infections! 

So even though it can be frustrating, I've learned to be positive about this stair-step experience. I feel better (up a step!). Then I feel worse (fighting the next thing). Then I feel better (up another step). 

Right now I'm at the point where I sometimes have 5-6 days of feeling good in between detoxing "steps." Hopefully I'll soon be at the top of the staircase! =)

Also, each person detoxes at their own pace. So try not to compare the length of your "stairs" with others.

4) Detoxing is an ongoing process.

Most people have more toxins stored in their bodies than they can effectively detox (without help). Once you start a detoxing program, the body will begin cleaning out whatever has built up. Eventually (hopefully), you'll reach the point where all the "back-toxins" are cleaned out. 

From then on, if your body stays healthy and detoxing properly, it should detox various toxic/chemical exposures quickly after they happen. 

For instance, usually a couple of days after I go to church (big perfume exposure), I'll notice that I'm detoxing perfume. This is a good sign. It means my body is keeping up with current exposures as I encounter them. If your body isn't doing this, then those toxins are being stored somewhere in your body and can result in more serious problems later on. 

Because of the extremely toxic condition of our world, it's vital that even after you're healthy, you continue doing things to aid your body in it's job of detoxing (lymphatic massage, detox baths, exercise, juicing, etc, etc.). We are surrounded by toxic chemicals, EMF's (electromagnetic frequencies), "bugs," and stress. In this world, we cannot take our health for granted. We must be proactive in helping our bodies continually detox and remain healthy. 

Do you have any questions about the detoxing process? 

I Can Sing!

For years I was too weak to even talk, let alone sing. And for much of that time I couldn't even listen to music because I was so sensitive to sound.

Praise God those days are behind me! Now I love to crank up some worship music and belt out my praises to God with an overflowing heart! =)

Singing is actually good for your health. And there is something so beautiful and healing in singing to God. 

It's no wonder we're told throughout the Bible to sing praise to God. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days (Ps. 90:14).

If you're not able to sing out loud right now, be encouraged. You can, Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord (Eph. 5:19).

Music has always been a blessing to my soul. And being able to sing again is one of the sweetest gifts God has restored to me!

Not that I'll be cutting a record deal anytime soon. =) (The Lord in His wisdom did not endow me with vocal talent.) But for my own joy, and for God's pleasure, I Can Sing!

P.S. This song by Matt Redman has been a huge blessing to me and many others. I sing it all the time. Enjoy! =)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E

Understanding the Detoxing Process (Part 1)

For almost four years now my body has been in a detoxing/healing process. And it's been a crazy journey! I never dreamed it would take this long, and I had no idea about all the strange things I'd experience along the way. 

Often when I'm telling someone about my latest detoxing phase, their eyes glaze over like they have no clue what I'm talking about. And thankfully for them, they don't. If I hadn't lived through the last four years, I wouldn't understand it either. 

So I thought it'd be helpful to explain a little about the detoxing process. Hopefully it'll help you in your own situation or at least give you better understanding and compassion for others. 

When I first started detoxing, I was extremely ill. I couldn't speak or move off the couch. I had so many things wrong with my body that it seemed I'd never find a place to start. Thankfully, after we started doing the lymphatic massage and detox baths every day, my body began its own healing process. 

Here are some things I've learned since then:

1) The body usually detoxes more recent toxins first. 

One of the first things I detoxed was asphalt. I'd had a terrible exposure to asphalt a few months before we started the massage. So after a couple weeks of the massage, I noticed that my clothes and hair smelled like asphalt. That was the first thing I detoxed. 

Many months later I was detoxing things I'd been exposed to in childhood, such as kerosene. 

For me the detoxing process has worked more or less backward - detoxing recent exposures first then gradually working back to early toxic exposures. 

2) The body detoxes through the lungs, liver, kidneys, bowels and skin.

While the lungs and liver are somewhat "invisible" detoxing organs, the kidneys, bowels and skin usually show more noticeable signs of detoxing. 

As I said, my clothes and hair smelled like asphalt while I was detoxing it, because it was literally pouring out through my skin. (This is one reason why detox baths can be so helpful.)  

If you never notice any changes in your urine, bowels, or skin, you're probably not detoxing effectively. There should be rather obvious signs that your body is getting rid of toxins.  

3) The body is extremely THOROUGH in its detoxing process. 

I have been astounded at how many things my body has detoxed in the last four years! Everything from mercury, formaldehyde and pesticide, to immunizations, viruses, and bacteria, to perfume, shampoo and lotion, and much, much more! 

When the body deems something as unhealthy or over-abundant, it detoxes it. And praise God that this is how He has created our bodies! When we provide the assistance the body needs (lymphatic massage, detox baths, herbs, supplements, deep breathing, etc, etc.), it is very faithful in "cleaning house" and getting rid of the bad things that have accumulated.

Sometimes I wish I could "turn off" this detoxing process for a few days and take a break. =) But really, I'm very thankful my body continues to work on detoxifying and healing every day. 

Well, I think this post is long enough for today. =) I have more thoughts to share, so be sure to tune in next week for Part 2 of understanding the detoxing process. 

Any questions so far? Do you have any insights to share about the detoxing process?

"I Can" Monday

Happy Monday! =) 

I hope you had a good weekend. I actually made it to church yesterday for the first time since Christmas! Praise God! =)

Well, if you need some encouragement (or laughter) here's another "I Can" celebration.

This week: I Can wear pink!

I know, that probably sounds funny, but for me it's worth celebrating! 

For some reason, ever since I was a teenager I detested the color pink. I never wore any clothes that were pink. My dislike was so strong that when my best friend got married, I talked her into silver bridesmaid dresses instead of pink (her first choice). Sad, I know. 

Well, believe it or not, after I started doing the DNRS brain retraining program last year, I found to my astonishment, that I no longer detested pink! In fact, I actually bought a pink shirt, and I'm wearing it right now. =)

I always thought my serious aversion to pink was just part of my personality. But as my brain began to heal, I've experienced many positive changes, including the unexpected ability to enjoy wearing pink. =) Hooray! 

What positive, unexpected changes have you had lately?

Helpful Articles

I recently joined a group on Facebook about nutrition and wellness. It's been a fount of information for me. 

I know it takes time to read about health-related issues, but knowledge is vital for success. So here are a few articles I've appreciated lately that I hope will be helpful for you.

This is a really great article about the importance of the lymphatic system. I'm SO glad to see a doctor who understands the vital role the lymphatic system plays in health! The article includes some tips for keeping a healthy lymphatic system, though it doesn't mention lymphatic massage (which of course I mention all the time). =) 

Here's a great article that lists 80 uses of coconut oil. It has lots of information and some fun stuff too. =) 

This article is scary, but frankly, not surprising. The dairy industry now wants to put aspartame in milk WITHOUT having to list aspartame on the label. Crazy! Please read or skim through the article and then follow the "take action" button to make your voice heard.

This blog post talks about the harmful effects of pesticides, including triclosan, which is a main ingredient in "anti-bacterial" products. Thankfully there are natural alternatives to pesticides. Please check this out and pass this information along to others. The fewer people using pesticides, the better off we and our environment will be.

That's all for today. =)

Have you read any good articles lately you'd like to share? Let us know!

"I Can" Mondays

Lately I've been detoxing a lot, which isn't a fun process. To encourage myself, I keep reminding myself of all the things that I CAN do again! 

So I thought I'd start a new post every week called "I Can Mondays." 

If you're not very limited health-wise, I hope these posts will remind you to be thankful for the little things we so often take for granted. 

And if you are feeling limited, I pray you'll be encouraged and have hope for your own recovery. I look forward to hearing about all you'll be able to do one day too!

So on those dreary Mondays, let's celebrate what we can do, and even more - what GOD can do! 

“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” -Mark 10:27

This week: I Can wash dishes! 

Now, I know for some people that's no reason to celebrate. =) But for me it is! 

For years I couldn't even get off the couch, let alone wash dishes. My mom did everything for me (bless her sweet heart!). But now almost every day I'm in the kitchen washing my dishes, and it feels great! 

I hope I'll never complain again about doing the dishes, but that I'll always remember what a blessing it is to have the health and strength to be able to do them.

Thanks God! =)


I'd love to hear what you can do today!

Sauna Therapy

"To sauna or not to sauna?" That is the question.

When a friend asked me for input about sauna therapy last week, I realized I've only mentioned it in passing on this blog. Whole books have been written about sauna therapy; it's not a simple issue. But if you want some basic information to consider, here are some of my thoughts about it.

To anyone who asks, I always say "be cautious about sauna."

1) The theory behind sauna has merit. The skin is one of the largest detox organs. Sweating toxins out through the skin can be great for certain people, (who are at least somewhat healthy). 

However, for other people sauna is just too strong of a therapy. If I had done sauna when one doctor recommended it to me in 2008, it probably would have killed me. No exaggeration. 

At that time my adrenals were incredibly weak. Even sitting in the car on a hot day would cause severe weakness and sometimes worse symptoms. My body was in no condition to handle elevated temperatures and excessive sweating.

For those with with weak adrenals or who are in an overly fragile condition, I think sauna is not a good idea, and can even be dangerous. 

2) There are various kinds of sauna. The sauna itself can be made of different materials. And it may use gas, wood, or electric heat, etc. 

Depending on your personal needs and sensitivities, you need to make sure the structure of the sauna is non-toxic for you (some of them are made of various woods, metals, etc.). All your pores are opened while in the sauna and you might unknowingly absorb any toxins from whatever is in the materials.

Or if you're sensitive to EMF's, electric heat could cause a serious problem.  

So finding a "safe" and non-toxic sauna is in itself a challenge (we never did find one I felt free to try).

3) Also when doing sauna, it's VITAL to have a doctor who you trust monitoring the process and checking your electrolytes and mineral levels. The excessive sweating can quickly deplete the body of these. And for already frail individuals who may not absorb minerals well, it can be difficult to get enough minerals and electrolytes back in the body in a timely manner. 

4) I've learned that the body detoxes and heals at its own pace. Last fall when I was detoxing a particularly nasty toxin, my doctor kept reminding me that I shouldn't do anything to speed up the process. That specific toxin had to come out very slowly in order not to cause damage to my body as it detoxed.

I think there are instances when sauna therapy may 'push' the body to detox things it's not really ready to handle. This could cause more harm to the body.

I know a lot of people rave about sauna, but it's not something to be done lightly. 

If you do decide to try it, please do your research thoroughly to make sure it's a good match for your situation and current condition. And please start VERY slowly, and make sure you have a capable doctor to monitor the process. 

My personal recommendation is always to start with lymphatic massage, which is much more gentle and activates your body's own natural detoxing process. And consider doing a regular detox bath.* 

Once your lymphatic system is moving well, then you can add other detox methods such as stretching, rebounding, juicing, etc. When the lymphatic system is healthy, other methods of detoxing should be more effective and hopefully better tolerated. (But again, always listen to your body and to a trusted health care provider, so you don't push your body too fast.) 

Any questions? Do you have any thoughts to share about sauna?

(*There's more info on detox baths here. But I also wanted to add that it's vital with a detox bath to know what specific product to use for your body. Each person's condition is different, and taking a detox bath in something not compatible with your body's current need can do more harm than good. So ask your naturopath, use muscle testing, or find some way to determine what works best for your body right now. 

What you body needs will also change from time to time. At different times in the past I've done detox baths using a tablespoon of liquid vitamin supplement, 3 drops of almond extract, or a teaspoon of mineral powder. Different products work better at different times based on what your body needs.

If you have any other questions about detox baths, you can leave a comment or send me an email.)