Cleaning the body of impurities promotes healing
By Ellen W. Cutler, DC, and Richard Tunkel, MD, DC
The human body was developed over many millennia to be capable of handling various acute physical, mental, and emotional stresses. Within the environment in which it developed, and without overwhelming its capacities — either acutely or over time — the living body is designed to be self-healing.
Over the past few decades, an ever-increasing number of chemicals in the water, foods, and air have entered the environment and subsequently the living human body. Many of these chemicals are toxic to the body, especially in combination.
As a result, the detoxifying capacity of the liver and kidneys can be overwhelmed. Over time, accumulating toxins have a deleterious effect on the self-healing mechanisms of the body.
Impact of toxins
Toxic buildups occur at least in part because the organs of elimination — skin, colon, lungs, kidneys, and the liver and biliary tract — are not functioning properly. The body can develop sensitivities to these man-made pollutants.
In addition to smog, pesticides, and food additives there are increasing amounts of prescription medications and other drugs that enter people’s bodies, which can create numerous adverse effects. The body can also become sensitive to natural substances including foods, other naturally occurring chemicals, and even by-products of the body’s everyday metabolism.
In order to decrease the toxic load of the body, one must decrease stressors entering the body and decrease the already present toxic burden. There must be effective detoxification to allow the optimal functioning of the body’s innate healing abilities.
Detoxification in the body is ongoing, and can be continuously supported or enhanced over a predetermined period. The process of detoxification can be broken down into five main categories: drainage, elimination, healthy assimilation and utilization of nutrients with enzyme therapy, desensitization, and liver detoxification and support.
Toxins and other stressors can be generally present throughout the body, but they can also accumulate in specific organ systems. Toxins draining from or through specific organ systems often need to be considered in order to enhance their release. Different methods are available to accomplish this.
For example: Although numerous massage techniques enhance the local blood flow of the area treated, only a few, very specialized physical methods have been developed to enhance lymphatic flow. Alternatively, special homeopathic and phytonutrient formulations have been created to increase lymphatic drainage.
Proper elimination of toxins from the body is quite important and methods have been developed over the years to improve the elimination process of each primary organ system involved.
For example: Elimination through the skin is enhanced by specific enzyme-based phytonutrient formulas and mechanical means, such as skin brushing. Colonic function can be enhanced with the use of gentle laxatives, fiber, or irrigation.
Deep-breathing exercises can improve gas exchange at the alveolar surfaces as can specific enzyme-based nutrients. Various diuretic herbs and homeopathic preparations, as well as increased fluid intake increase urinary output via adequately functioning kidneys. Several liver detoxification protocols are designed to enhance biliary flow.
Detoxification requires healthy digestion and utilization of nutrients, which can be achieved with a combination of interventions, including proper enzyme therapy and the reduction or elimination of nonorganic or GMO foods, rancid fats, trans-fats, and carbohydrates (particularly grains).
Enzyme therapy for optimal digestion requires the use of a full spectrum of enzymes, including those that break down proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and cellulose, usually best accomplished with microbial enzymes. Enzyme therapy promotes improved, more complete digestion of foods and helps diminish food sensitivities and related conditions such as “leaky gut syndrome.”1
Trans-fats in margarine and rancid oils contain partially hydrogenated fatty acids that can interfere with the production of cellular ATP and can be toxic to the liver. Smoking, primary or secondhand, should be avoided. Water should be filtered to remove chemicals such as chlorides, fluorides, and other toxins. Stimulants such as caffeine and sugars that lower energy, deplete vitamins and minerals, and weaken the immune system should be avoided.
Desensitization is often a missing step in achieving optimal results with detoxification. The body can become reactive to even naturally occurring nutrients essential to its well-being. Several testing procedures have been developed to determine the body’s sensitivities, but few have been designed to desensitize the body.
A growing number of chiropractors and other healthcare providers have been using muscle testing and/or computerized galvanic skin resistance testing in combination with techniques derived from traditional Chinese medicine and microbial enzyme therapy to accomplish both.
The liver is an important organ in maintaining good energy levels and detoxifying the body. Good digestion, desensitization, and good nutrition keep the liver working optimally. When basic sensitivities have been cleared, fewer side effects from the detoxification occur, such as headache, achiness, tiredness, skin rashes, irritability, and dizziness.
Usually, the detoxification is quicker and more effective after successful desensitization.
Liver cleansing by itself is highly recommended for anyone with energy and stamina problems and for those with chronic health problems in general. It is best done once or twice a year, and can also be quite helpful with weight loss — especially when done in combination with enzyme therapy.
With any healing modality, especially chiropractic adjustments, a detoxification program can further enhance healing. The design of the detoxification regimen depends upon the presenting symptoms and the body’s detoxifying capacity. Many symptoms treated with medications are the result of pathologic detoxification processes.
Those symptoms can be ameliorated with proper detoxification. There are many options, but the goal is improving overall detoxification, which is best accomplished by first evaluating the patient’s capacity to detoxify and the extent of toxic inflammation and stagnation, and then clearing (with desensitization, enzyme therapy, and dietary changes) sensitivities to support complete detoxification, including drainage and elimination of toxins.
A detoxification program is easily integrated into most chiropractic practices.
Ellen W. Cutler, DC, founder of BioSET (Bioenergetic Sensitivity and Enzyme Therapy), is the author of numerous books and heads the BioSET Institute. Richard Tunkel, MD, DC, is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and sees patients in the San Francisco Bay Area using predominantly nonpharmacological interventions. They can be reached at 877-246-7381 or through www.bioset.net
1Cutler, Ellen. 2005. “MicroMiracles.” New York: Rodale, 93.
**To read a case study on how desensitization/detoxification treatments help, visit www.ChiroEco.com/bioset.