Each of the following suggestions is an attempt to enhance your body’s natural metabolic processes through the digestive system, liver, kidneys, skin and lungs. They will help achieve optimal physical, mental and spiritual health. All are essential to help you optimize elimination with minimal aggravation, while undergoing your specific treatment suggestions.
The following is a basic guideline that is customized for people as they come into see me. It will be modified for you to fit your individual concerns.
Diet — Follow the optimal diet recommendations or any other specific dietary recommendations you have been given by your naturopathic doctor. Chew your food well and do not drink anything while eating. Eat fresh garlic as often as possible. Include at least one serving of either steamed or raw greens a day.
Add 1–2tsp of organic apple cider vinegar to 6-8 ounces of water and drink 15–30minutes before each meal (optional, you may add ½ to 1 tsp of pure honey or maple syrup if desired.) Alternatively: take 2 gentian-ginger or gentian-scutellaria caps or ginger tea, 15–30 minutes before meals.
Add 1–2 Tbsp of fresh ground flax, pumpkin, sesame or sunflower seeds to cereal, shakes, stir fries, rice or anything else you are eating everyday.
Probiotics — A strain of human acidophilus is an essential component to your regimen. Include this daily and take with meals. Begin with 2 capsules daily. Store in the fridge. Research is now suggesting that probiotics are especially important for those with allergies, food intolerances and for cancer prevention. For most, probiotics should be continued for several years.
Water — Drink at least the equivalent of one-half your body weight in ounces. We suggest that you drink mostly water for the first 6 weeks of treatment. You can include green drinks such as chlorophyll, chorella, spirulina, Phytogreens, and barley greens (except green tea).
Hydrotherapy — End your shower with a cool spray, starting with the extremities and finishing with the low back for 15-30 seconds to return the blood flow to your internal organs.
Dry Skin Brushing — To help stimulate circulation, thoroughly brush all of your skin, using very short, very light, frequent strokes toward the heart for 45-60 seconds. It is best to do this on dry skin BEFORE BED. Use a vegetable fiber brush, natural sponge, or a loofah sponge.
Castor Oil Packs (COP) — This is essential to the success of your treatment. Refer to the castor oil pack article for detailed instructions.
Deep Breathing — Please refer to appropriate breathing exercises handout.
Movement — As another aid to circulation, I recommend that you move your muscles daily. Walking, rebounding (mini-trampoline), yoga or qi gong are all excellent ideas. Aerobic activity and stretching are also very helpful.
Sleep — Try to go to sleep at the same time everyday and get up at the same time everyday. Every hour of sleep before 12:00 midnight is worth 2 hours after midnight. A good night’s sleep will also improve your memory and help balance your hormone system. It is recommended that you get between 7-8.5hours of sleep EVERY night for optimal wellness.
Play — Do something fun everyday. Laughter is essential for stress management and a healthy heart.
Take your temperature — For ten days in the next month, take your noon time temperature before lunch. A low body temperature has been associated with several conditions including a weakened immune system and poor digestion.
Thom, D. Biotherapeutic Drainage Using the Unda Numbers. 2004