Planning a Cleanse and What is a Healing Crisis?
2012
Cleanses are generally one of the best things you can do for your overall health. But sometimes are better than others for doing one. Here are some things to consider and important things to know before embarking on a cleanse.
Planning a Cleanse
Some things to consider when planning a Cleanse:
The time of year. Best times to embark on a Cleanse are the start of spring, summer or autumn. If you live in a colder climate it is naturally a harder time of the year to do a Cleanse as beneficially as in the warmer seasons. If you do decide to do one in the winter months you may want to add more hot drinks such as herbal teas, hot lemon water or even a homemade clear vegetable broth to sip to help keep you warm. Make sure to dress warm and keep the body as warm as is comfortably possible.
If possible, choose a time when you will be able to relax and sleep during the day if you feel like it. The freer you are, the more beneficial the Cleanse will be. You should be in a relaxed state of mind and it is ideal if you only need to take care of you during this time. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you will be doing a Cleanse to avoid unnecessary phone calls or visits.
When not to do a Cleanse
If you are strong and healthy, there is no reason not to do a Cleanse. However, if you have any health concerns, or are concerned about how a Cleanse could impact your health, consult your doctor before embarking on one.
It is best to wait to do a Cleanse if you have recently been sick or if you are on a temporary prescription medication. If you have prescriptions that you are on all the time, make sure to consult with your doctor first. Similarly, consult a doctor if you have serious medical concerns, have ever suffered kidney failure or are recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction.
It is not advised to do a Cleanse if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or diabetic.
What is a Healing Crisis?
A ‘healing crisis’ can occur during or after any cleanse or fast. The severity of it will depend on how toxic you are and the length and type of cleanse or fast you are doing. This occurs when the body is eliminating waste and toxins from the fat cells and tissues of the body into the blood stream faster than the body is capable of eliminating them. Sometimes a cleanse will make you feel refreshed and revitalized, but sometimes you may experience a healing crisis instead.
A healing crisis can come in many forms and last for different lengths of time, but they often only last one to two days. They can include headaches, sinus congestion, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, muscle aches and pains, skin breakouts, feeling cold or feeling irritable. Do not feel alarmed if your body is reacting this way and realize that experiencing these side effects can actually be a positive sign and indicate that your body is eliminating toxins. An intense healing crisis can indicate that your body has just shed a great deal of toxic debris that your body may have carried around for years. The symptoms will pass and although it is uncomfortable, it is a good sign as it is a sign of improving health and you will usually come out of it feeling far better than you previously did.
It is important if you are doing a cleanse or fast and experience a healing crisis not to take painkillers, which can be detrimental to cleansing. While you wait for the symptoms to pass make sure to rest a lot, so the body can use its energy in elimination and drink lots of water and herbal teas. Relax and think about the benefits your body is getting from the cleanse.
It is often difficult to distinguish a healing crisis from an actual illness, except with the clue that doing a Cleanse could very likely trigger a healing crisis. However, if you have any concern or if it persists for 3 or more days you should consult your doctor or health care provider.
