Detox is an ancient tradition that has become a modern fad. Western detox programs tend to be harsh, attempting to rapidly purge toxins from your system before you return to a typical Western diet. Eastern detox programs, though, focus on gently restoring your body to optimal alignment and overall well-being, and acupuncture plays a significant role. Here is what you should know about this gentler alternative.

Acupuncture for Detox

According to Chinese thought, Qi is the life force that forms the essence of every living being. In today’s always-connected world, though, it is easy for stress to block the flow of Qi. A poor diet that is filled with heavy, unhealthy foods compounds the problems by adding toxins faster than your body can rid itself of them. Yet your body tends to crave more and more of them, creating a self-replicating cycle that depletes your energy and creates a general feeling of unwellness.

Acupuncture unblocks Qi, restoring your body’s natural flow of vitality. It has a diuretic effect that allows your body to release toxins through the urinary tract. It also helps to regulate metabolism and stimulates the release of endorphins that promote a sense of well-being. As the toxins leave your body and your Qi flows freely, you will begin to reconnect with your body’s needs. You will begin to crave the healthy, energizing foods that keep you well, and when you eat unhealthy foods you will recognize a sense of tiredness and lethargy.

Herbal Preparations for Detox

In addition to acupuncture, Chinese detox programs use a variety of herbal remedies that target the liver, kidneys, bowels, and lymphatic system, ensuring that toxins and bodily waste products are gently and naturally eliminated. Everyone’s system is different, and certain remedies may be inappropriate for you based on your health history or current medications. Therefore, it is vital to receive professional guidance on which preparations to choose.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Counseling

Following a gentle and natural acupuncture detox, you will feel healthy and energized, and your body will start to crave the foods that it needs. Yet old habits die hard, and many people find that in the weeks following the detox, they begin to slip back into unhealthy patterns. Our holistic program of care supports you emotionally as well as physically, helping you to address lingering issues and break long-ingrained cycles. We can provide nutritional supplements as needed, and help you establish a healthy lifestyle that builds upon your successes.

Detoxing is both an ancient art and a modern fad, but Western detoxes tend to be harsh and short-lived. Through acupuncture and Chinese medicine, you can experience a gentle, sustainable detox and then build upon it to create a new, healthy, sustainable way of life. It all starts with a consultation to learn how we can help.

Ready to Get Started?

If you are ready to take the first steps toward a more integrative approach to your health care, we invite you to contact Thumos Health Center at 310-927-2792 to schedule an appointment.