Five Detox Myths
Why A Spring Cleanse Doesn't Have To Be Scary
The concept of a ‘detox’ is not a modern one, but has its roots deep in the soils of antiquity. Whether it be the central European retreats located around natural springs, native American sweat lodge rituals, or the Ayurvedic ‘Pancha Karma’ detoxification and rejuvenation process – people have been taking a pause from their daily lives to heal their bodies and rest their minds throughout history.
This also means that a wide range of techniques and philosophies have emerged allowing for an approach that suits each individual’s unique needs and preferences.
Here are a 5 popular myths I commonly encounter in my practice.
#1 Everybody should fast.
For some people a well guided fast is a great idea, but for many exhausted denizens of the 21st century this is the exact opposite of what their bodies need.
#2 A Detox involves drinking lots of fruit and vegetable juices.
This is a very recent trend that has emerged in the West and like all ‘one size fits all’ approaches creates as much trouble as it cures if not tailored to people's individual needs.
#3 If you’re really serious you have to do coffee enemas.
According to Ayurveda principles coffee enemas are definitely not suited to the majority of people, so think twice before you pour your morning cappuccino up your bum.
#4 Detox food = Raw food.
Again for some people, this is a great idea but for most of history, most traditions I am aware of have recommended the opposite. From Hippocrates on down the recommendations have been simple soups, gruels and stews. In Ayurveda hot inflamed pitta types with strong digestion are considered perfectly placed for heavily raw fasts, but curvy Kaphas and stressed out Vatas should generally steer clear of a raw fast according to the Indian tradition.
#5 A Detox is a Low Fat Affair.
Good fat is a profoundly detoxifying substance and the only way to effectively leach out fat soluble toxins. Thin exhausted folk with adrenal fatigue and Vata types particularly thrive on high fat consumption through their cleanse.
For most folk, the best way to give their body a simple DIY spring cleanse is to simply abstain from the obviously unhealthy things (caffeine, sugar, alcohol etc) whilst eating a diet high in gently cooked vegetables, natural ferments, moderate whole grains, good fats, herbal teas & plenty of rest. Even a single week on a program like this can leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready for the festive season ahead.
Finally, I find for many clients the thing they need to detox most is a habit or a belief. Abstaining from too much screen time, getting out of the head and into the body and pressing pause on the inner critic with some mindfulness are just as crucial as giving the alcohol a rest for a while. Enjoy!
With Heart,
Jimi
