Allergy

Allergy or skin disorders such as rash, itching, dermatitis, and eczema commonly occur as a result of oral ingestion or direct physical contact with an incompatible substance. As a result, allergic and hypersensitive reactions occur either in localized areas or throughout the entire body.  In western medicine, these skin disorders are treated with drugs that symptomatically relieve itching and irritation.  Commonly used drugs include antihistamines and corticosteroids.  In most cases these drugs are used topically for a short period of time, and therefore have limited side effects.  It is important to remember the best way to avoid allergic skin reactions is to avoid the allergens whenever possible.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture regard skin disorders such as rash and eczema as characterized by wind-heat.  Certain herbs that treat wind heat have been shown to have marked antihistamine effect, and are excellent to alleviate skin itching and discomfort.  Furthermore, many herbs also have anti-inflammatory effect to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Detoxification

Detoxification is the process of addressing the natural toxins in the body.  The liver, digestive tract, kidneys, bladder, lymphatic system, lungs, and skin are the major systems/organs that are involved in the neutralization and elimination of toxins.

Because we are exposed to high levels of foreign substances and over consume chemically-treated, synthetically-produced food, extra purification is needed. The TCM believe that whole foods, some herb foods, pure food and water give the body the resources it needs so that it can purify and rebuild itself naturally.  The liver and colon are the two organs needed to place an emphasis, because they play a major role in supporting the digestive system.

Toxins in Our Environment

As a society, we face increasing amounts of challenges in our environment.  We encounter substances every day from the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink, including:

1.    Medications
2.    Pesticides
3.    Heavy metals
4.    Fumes
5.    Synthetic materials
6.    Cigarette smoke
7.    Caffeine
8.    Preservatives

In addition to these environmental challenges, our bodies produce waste by-products (such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, and free radicals) as a result of normal metabolism that needs to be eliminated.  If these toxins are not neutralized and eliminated, the result is suboptimal health, also excessive accumulation of body fat, which is an abnormal increase in the proportion of fat cells, mainly in the viscera and subcutaneous tissues of the body.  Being overweight and obese are underlying risk factors for the causes of death, including:

1.    Hypertension
2.    Adult-onset diabetes
3.    Heart disease
4.    Cancer
5.    Stroke
6.    Chronic fatigue

Do You Have Toxins in Your Body?

Think for a moment of all the foods and drinks you have consumed over your lifetime. The amount could literally add up to tens of thousands of pounds. Answering the following questions may give you some insight as to your current toxic load.

1.    Do you or have you eaten processed foods?
2.    Do you eat non-organic fruits and vegetables?
3.    Do you eat meat and poultry that is not free-range?
4.    Do you consume genetically-altered food?
5.    Do you or have you ever used artificial sweeteners?
6.    Do you drink soda?
7.    Do the foods you eat have preservatives, additives, dyes, or sweeteners added?
8.    Do you eat fast foods and or eat out regularly?
9.    Do you charbroil or grill foods?
10.    Is coffee a regular part of your diet?
11.    Do you drink alcohol?
12.    Do you drink tap water?

If the majority of your answers are yes, then it is likely that your diet contributes significantly to your toxic load.  In addition to your diet, you are also exposed to other irritants such as cigarette smoke, pollution, hair dyes, dry cleaning fluids, cosmetics, exhaust fumes, soaps, perfumes, cleaners and drugs.  This everyday exposure to these substances may have you feeling less than your best, experiencing:

1.    Weight gain
2.    Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
3.    Poor digestion
4.    Food cravings
5.    Reduced mental clarity
6.    Low libido

What to Expect during Detoxification

Every person is in a different place in his or her level of personal fitness and each person has different goals.  Purification programs can have a significant, positive effect on the biochemistry of the body while allowing harmful toxins and by-products of daily metabolism to be eliminated.  As you progress through your purification program, you may experience some changes and some benefits:

1.    Increased energy
2.    Better digestion
3.    Less bloating
4.    Clearer skin
5.    Shinier hair
6.    Disappearance of lessening of past conditions (PMS, digestive problems, etc.)

Copyright ©  Divine Physics Health Institute 2008