Detoxification Exercises

Exercise plays an important role in cleansing our bodies. However, we cannot limit exercising to times when we have a problem. It should be a lifelong habit and an enjoyable activity. Lack of exercise allows toxins to build up in our bodies, destroying the balance. Another effect is that calcium leaches from the bones and is excreted in the urine, which can contribute to osteoporosis.

Physical activity stimulates the development and maintenance of bone tissue, muscle mass, strength, and endurance. It helps to excrete toxins and restore balance in many body systems. Exercise is a powerful tool for detoxifying the body and improving and maintaining good health.

Many types of exercise can help with detoxification. Pick one that is comfortable for you and that will not be too difficult for you to do or to include in your schedule. For any type of exercise, wear comfortable clothes and shoes that fit and support your body. Shower immediately after exercising so that you do not reabsorb the toxins from your sweat. Wash your clothes as well, to remove toxins; never wear sweat-stained clothes while exercising.

AEROBIC EXERCISE

• rapidly cleanse chemical toxins from the blood.
• increase oxygen utilization and the function of oxygen-dependent metabolic pathways.
• allow your heart and blood vessels to function more efficiently.
• enhance endocrine function.
• cause a lower resting pulse rate.
• increase your endurance.
• stimulate the production of endorphins, which help to mask pain and bring about a feeling of euphoria.

WALKING

• increasing oxygen uptake.
• improving circulation and muscle tone.
• improving resting and active pulses.
• stimulating elimination.
• making the digestive system healthier.
• promoting weight loss.
• building endurance.
• releasing toxins in the sweat and from the lungs.

RUNNING

• increases the elimination of toxins.
• increases oxygenation to cells.
• improves circulation.
• improves lung capacity.
• increases muscle and reduces body fat.
• strengthens legs, muscles, and bones.

SWIMMING

• increases oxygenation to cells.
• improves circulation.
• increases cardio respiratory endurance.
• improves lung capacity.
• increases muscle strength.
• reduces body fat.

CYCLING

• increases circulation.
• improves blood transport.
• increases oxygenation to cells.
• increases elimination of toxins.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

• improves circulation.
• increases cardio respiratory endurance.
• oxygenates tissues.
• strengthens muscles.
• increases endurance.
• reduces body fat.
• promotes sweating.

Traditional Chinese exercises

Traditional Chinese exercises are commonly used in Asian countries, such as Japan, China, and Korea. They can be an excellent form of exercise, and they emphasize balance, agility, and coordination. While there are several forms of more physically intense exercise, the two that are the most helpful for body balancing and health are Chi Kung and Tai Chi.

CHI KUNG (QIGONG)

• facilitate the free flow of energy through-out the body, promoting blood, lymph, and nerve impulse flow, all of which help detoxification.
• initiate the "relaxation response" that decreases heart rate and blood pressure, dilates the capillaries and optimizes availability of oxygen to the tissues.
• alter the neurochemistry of the body to moderate pain, depression, and the cravings of addiction, as well as increasing immune capability.
• enhance the efficiency of the immune and detoxification systems by increasing the rate and flow of fluid through the lymph system.
• improve resistance to infection and disease by increasing the elimination of toxic metabolic byproducts from the tissues, organs, and glands via the lymph system.
• increase cell metabolism and tissue regeneration through increased oxygen and blood supply to the organs, tissues, and brain.
• coordinate the hemispheres of the brain, reducing anxiety, promoting deeper sleep, and increasing mental clarity.
• increase mental focus and decrease sympathetic nervous system activity.
• moderate gland and cerebrospinal fluid system of the brain and spinal cord, which mediate pain and mood, and improve and strengthen immune function.
• massage the organs in the abdominal cavity through abdominal breathing, stimulating the stomach and intestines, improving digestion and absorption, and reducing blood congestion in the lower abdomen.

TAI CHI

• increases blood circulation that both nourishes the muscles and helps with detoxification.
• exercises the cardiopulmonary system.
• stimulates glandular activity and the nervous system.
• improves joint movement.
• promotes good posture.
• reduces tension and anxiety.
• enables the mind to function with greater clarity, concentration, and awareness.

Bodywork

Bodywork is a general term describing a group of therapies that are used to correct the structure and improve the function of the human body. These methods all involve the therapeutic use of touch. Touch is a primal need that is as necessary for growth as food, clothing, and shelter. It is the first sense to develop in humans, and may be the last to fade. Infants cannot survive and thrive without touch.

Touch can be as simple as a hug or a pat on the back, or it can involve massage, acupressure, or therapeutic touch, but it connects us with others, gives us comfort, and helps us to heal. In addition to its direct physical benefits, bodywork can help us to realize that our bodies are living, growing systems that continually change. They are dynamic processes interacting with our physical and emotional environments.

To survive and function, every cell must continuously receive nutrients, oxygen, hormones, antibodies, immune modulators, and water. In addition, toxic wastes must be taken away from the cell. Bodywork increases circulation, which facilitates cleansing and the removal of waste material. This cellular cycle of receiving and expelling also involves movement. Through bodywork, lazy muscles are encouraged to work and connective tissue is softened and stretched.

The cleansing action of bodywork:

• improves blood and lymph circulation.
• increases the oxygen supply to cells.
• increases availability of nutrients to cells, muscles, and bones.
• acts as a mechanical cleanser, pushing out wastes.
• promotes elimination of toxic waste.
• relieves congestion and excess fluid in tissues.
• improves liver function, which aids detoxification.
• eliminates waste fluid from muscles.
• balances the nervous system, which affects all body systems.

Bodywork can heal and cleanse on all levels. Touching the body also touches the mind and the emotions. Bodywork gives physical, emotional, and mental benefits. Physical benefits include increased detoxification, a strengthened immune system, improved muscle tone, reduced blood pressure and physical stress, and increased flexibility and movement. Emotional and mental benefits include the reduction of stress and anxiety, improved self-image, and increased ability to concentrate.

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