What is Cleansing?

I found this article on suite101.com. I am just starting a colon cleanse today.


Cleansing is a part of any comprehensive health regime. The numerous toxins in our lives - pollution in the air, pesticides and food preservatives, side effects from pharmaceutical drugs and medical treatments, and chemicals in our water - all tend to leave residue in the body and can contribute to slower metabolism, low immunity, weight gain, chronic pain, tiredness and stress.
Many health professionals, including Stanley Burroughs (originator of the Master Cleanse) believe that every disease and health problem can be traced to toxins that build up the body’s systems and cause congestion, discomfort, and illness. Cleansing the body of these toxins can bring relief of chronic pain, swelling, fatigue, allergies, attention deficit, and improve virtually all aspects of mental and physical health.
Two Kinds of Cleanses: Supplements or Dietary
There are hundreds of different ways to perform a cleanse, depending on the goals, current health and lifestyle of the person doing the cleansing.
Cleansing the body can take several months or a few intense days. Some cleanses require a complete overhaul of your diet, while others don’t.
Most cleanses work on the liver and/or colon, but there are special cleanses that focus on clearing parasites out of the system, improving the body’s pH balance, eliminating candida and restoring beneficial bacteria to the digestive system, weight loss, drawing out the toxins associated with arthritis or gout, or other goals.
For our purposes, there are two major “classes” of physical cleanse: dietary cleanses and cleanses involving supplements.
How Often Should We Cleanse?
It is often recommended to do a fast or cleanse of one kind or another at least two or three times a year. Some people prefer to cleanse continuously, by conscious attention to the content and acid-alkali balance of their diet or by using supplements.
How Will I Feel During a Cleanse?
Most people feel dramatically better, lighter, and happier during and after cleanse. Some people, on the other hand, find that cleansing releases more than physical toxins: it also results in an emotional cleanse. It is not uncommon to experience bouts of anger, sadness, or other strong emotions during cleansing, while toxic accumulation is in the process of leaving your body.
The liver (one of the primary organs involved in the storage of unused materials like toxins) is related, in Chinese Medicine and in the mind-body work of Louise Hay, to anger. Anger is commonly reported during cleansing, as emotional toxins leave the body with the physical ones.
What Should I Do for My First Cleanse?
Anyone who is beginning a cleanse for their first time should bear in mind three principles:
Start small.
Pay attention to your body’s responses once you start.
Seek expert advice. Read more: What is Cleansing? Remove Parasites, Candida, Chemicals and Other Toxins from Your Body - http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/what_is_cleansing#ixzz0CE4hIyUH