The concept of detoxing one’s body has been around for a long time, yet our population is becoming more and more toxic every year.
We clean our homes, our wardrobes and our gardens, while the most important part of our lives will often continue to accumulate waste year after year. Our lives, mind and body, would last a lot longer if we were to apply the same spring cleaning philosophy to them as we do to our environs.
In spite of our high-tech elimination systems, our bodies do accumulate toxic waste. Day after day, we are exposed to pollutants – chemicals in our food and household products; chlorine and fluoride in our water; smog and fumes; cosmetics; off-gassing from synthetic products, new carpet and building materials; petrochemicals; organic solvents; pesticides and heavy metals. Even the fillings in our teeth can provide a steady source of toxic mercury which accumulates in the brain, organs and fatty tissue.
Some years ago I visited a university in India that specialised in Agriculture. The students had been using chemicals to produce huge crops of vegetables. They had no modern machinery, so everything was done by hand. In time the soil became so toxic that mutations started to appear in the vegetables. Many of the students became ill. The entire project was closed down. A professor of organic farming was flown in from Zimbabwe to assess the situation and advise whether or not the soil could be healed. He concluded that, in its present state, the soil posed a grave danger to human life.
He advised the university to bring in truckloads of wood charcoal from local timber mills and plough it into the soil. For eight months the farm was dressed with charcoal as hundreds of trucks dumped their loads. Charcoal absorbs up to eighty times its volume in poisons, so the project proved successful. The soil was tested until there was no trace of chemicals. The professor then educated the students in the practice of organic farming. A worm farm was established and composting was introduced. Areas were set aside to grow nitrogen-rich greens for mulch. Not only did the soil produce perfect crops, but the spirit of the students thrived.
When one fasts on juices or water alone, muscle wastage occurs first in order to provide the rest of the body with essential proteins
Years ago a young, depressed cotton farmer came to Living Valley presenting multiple symptoms of disease. Her skin was covered in an irritating rash. Her lungs were producing excessive mucous and her digestive system was critical. Her occupation had exposed her to chemicals. She needed an urgent detox. For several days she fasted on protein drinks, organic eggs and water. The albumin component of protein mobilises fat-soluble poisons, while the fat in the eggs ensures effective elimination via the liver. Healthy raw eggs are an effective natural detox agent. This method of detoxification addresses toxins stored in the fat, without compromising muscle integrity.
When one fasts on juices or water alone, muscle wastage occurs first in order to provide the rest of the body with essential proteins.
Treatments for this cotton farmer consisted of steambaths, lymphatic drainage, clay wraps and wet sheet wraps. A therapist would wrap the young lady in an icy wet sheet with a warm woollen blanket wrapped around the outside. She would rest in this contrast cocoon for one hour, after which she would be washed. After several days the newly stained sheets reeked of chemicals. They actually had to be destroyed.
The result achieved was amazing. Not only did all her physical symptoms disappear, but the girl’s personality revived. She was no longer depressed; in fact, she became the vibrant person that she had been in her teens. The relationship between the body and the mind is intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathises. Many people come to our retreat for a detox, simply because they feel toxic. However it amazes me how many guests experience emotional release once the toxins are eliminated.
In a study spearheaded by the Environmental Working Group, researchers at two major laboratories found an average of 200 industrial chemicals in umbilical cord blood from ten babies born in August and September 2004. Tests revealed a total of 287 chemicals in the group. The umbilical cord blood collected by the Red Cross after the cords were cut, harboured pesticides, consumer product ingredients and wastes from burning coal, gasoline and garbage. Of the 287 chemicals detected, 180 are known to cause cancer in humans or animals, 217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system and 208 cause birth defects or abnormal development in animal tests.
Our environment is indeed toxic, causing the ‘symphonic language’ of the human organism to go out of tune. Just like a musical instrument needs regular tuning, so our bodies and minds need time set aside every year to detox the system and fine tune the mechanisms that guarantee our health and happiness. In preparation for Christmas this year, set aside five days (15th-20th December) for a rejuvenating detox at Living Valley. You will enjoy the season better than ever before, and you will be ready for positive action in the new year.
Gary Martin ND
Living Valley Health Retreat
Kin Kin. www.livingvalley.com.au
