Multifaceted Cleansing

by Victoria Bowmann Ph.D. ©2003
Explore! Volume 18, Number 3, 2009

When dealing with chronic illness, one often wonders where to begin the detoxification and cleansing process. Sometimes it seems that starting anything is better than doing nothing. However, a systematic approach offers a higher probability of success with less symptoms occurring for the patient. So frequently with chronic cases, a Herxheimer (herx) reaction can put the patient into a downward spiral of aggravated symptoms and recurrence of active disease. Let?s look at an approach that is effective and gentle.

The first point to consider is the need of the body for multifaceted cleansing. One area isn't affected; the patient is dealing with chronic long term conditions and symp?toms from bacterial, viral, or inflammatory illness. One of my favorite comments is: “Don't clean the kitchen if the garbage disposal isn't working.”

The human garbage disposal is the colon. However it is much more. The value of our intestines is not only diges?tion but also the impact of the immune system. After all, 70% of the immune system is in the gut. When the milieu and microbiota are maintained in a vital state, this adap?tive immune system can support the body?s defenses.

Many individuals have a weakened immune system because of their first two years of life. The microbiota is established in babies and is dependant on their exposure. Family, foods, medical treatments, vaccines, and living con?ditions all contribute to this environment. It is known that whatever is in the environment of an infant will show in the gut. This is of vital importance to consider in chronic illness. Not only does this play a role in the success of the immune system but also of the knowledge that one?s gut will always gravitate back to this initial microbiota at age 2.

There is not 'one' perfect microbiota. There are many. Individuals living in the Orient eating a vegetarian diet can have a healthy microbiota just as one in Iceland eating a highly fat and protein diet can have a healthy microbiota. Each is determined by individual exposure to bacteria.

In chronic illness this microbiota has been affected not only by their disease but also by their medical treatment. Medication generally has an impact on the gut. Holistic medication often has an impact that is life supporting. This is where our detoxification protocol is important. So let?s begin in the gut.

The probiotics given by mouth will have only a slight change on the intestines since acids in the stomach destroy most of these. For this reason, rectal introduc?tion of probiotics rapidly supports the immune system. Since bacterium doubles in 20 minutes, a retention suppository with 50 billion bacteria will grow to 400 billion in only one hour. The gut will stabilize in 3 days. This is called reflorastation. By frequently restor?ing a compromised microbiota with healthy probiotics, this delays the return of the microbiota to a previously less effective state.

What needs to be determined is the need or importance of colon irrigation. Often times, colon?ics are unavailable. When they are available, and it is warranted, they are a valuable modality in cleansing. Bile is recycled in the colon and returned to the liver for reuse. For a healthy person, colonics twice yearly will remove this bile and compel the liver to create new bile. This aids digestion and removes the buildup in old bile; which is laden with toxins.
Much more frequent colonics are important for those dealing with chronic illness. The degree of toxic?ity is generally high, from neurotoxins, medication residue, exotoxins and endotoxins. One might consider weekly colonics in severe cases. At the same time it is important to select infusions to promote cleansing and regeneration of the mucosa.

First and foremost is the reflorastation. In cases of IBS or UC, it may need to be administered weekly for as many as 5 treatments. In Lyme, it may need to be used weekly or twice monthly as long as antibiotic or other therapy is needed. It is important to keep the colon strong since we can use it to begin cleansing the liver, the second organ to consider.

The liver can be addressed orally and rectally. There are many good oral cleansing products available. It is important to select those that support both phase I and phase II detoxification pathways of the liver. I suggest starting slowly, usually one third of the recommended dose. It is easier to increase the program then to deal with a herx. As the detoxification pathways are being addressed, the liver needs support for effective elimi?nation. Homeopathic drainage remedies offer gentle cellular support.

When there has been a reaction or further support is warranted, consider coffee enemas or infusions. It is a method that can rapidly cleanse the liver. Organic coffee when administered rectally will pass through the portal vein into the liver, causing the liver to release some of its toxic load, which is eliminated via the colon. This is perhaps the most important infusion to consider after the reflorastation.

My recommendations for use are: Start with a reflo?rastation (and colonic if indicated). Wait three days. Begin coffee infusions on day 4. Continue daily for 10 days. Next is a colonic with reflorastation and begin the cycle again. It is important for the practitioner to moni?tor the detoxification process. If the reactions are too intense or uncomfortable, suggest the coffee infusions every other day.

Where there are treatments in which the coffee could minimize the effectiveness of the medication, it is best to wait until the value of the medication is complete. Per?haps this is 6 hours, Perhaps it is 24 hours. It is important to let the treatment work and then begin the detoxifica?tion of the ?die-off? and residues from the protocol.

One supportive rectal treatment is the use of wheat?grass juice. There are many benefits such as: increase in red blood cells, restores alkalinity, detoxifier, liver and blood protector. Additionally, the enzymes and amino acids offer protection from carcinogens and neutralize environmental pollutants. It is important to have fresh-juiced wheatgrass although there are powdered packets available that can be reconstituted and administered.

Another infusion is liquid garlic. When a patient is also dealing with parasites, this can have a beneficial effect. It is important to dilute it at least 4:1. The adverse affect is garlic gas for about 24 hours.

Many patients have excess mucus in the guts since it is a protective secretion against allergens, irritants, and inflam?mation. Excess mucus is swallowed during sleep; which con?tributes to the accumulation. Diluted lemon juice enemas can assist the mucosa in releasing this sticky secretion.

Once the colon and liver are working in tandem, it is now time to evaluate the affects on the lymphatic system. The interstitial fluid is frequently sluggish when there is chronic illness. Instead of a fluid that bathes the cells and removes debris, one finds fluid much like molasses: sticky and congested. This can be seen with thermography and can also be shown by fluid retention.

Lymphatic cleansing can be done manually or elec?tronically. Manual is effective however it takes many treatments. I consider it a 10:1 or 20:1 ratio. It will take at least 10 manual treatments to equal one electronically assisted treatment. If a partial or spot treatment is done, then the ration is 20:1.

The electronically assisted lymph drainage is more efficient although not as available in all areas. Far infrared and multiwave oscillating frequencies compose this treat?ment. These can be done in designated areas or encom?pass the entire body. What is important to consider is the degree and depth of toxins. When too many toxins are released too quickly, the body might not be able to eliminate them efficiently causing a reabsorption.

The debris from the lymphatic system is eliminated in urine. Therefore support for the kidneys and bladder is also important. This can be with the use of herbs and teas or homeopathic drainage remedies.

There are support treatments the patient can continue at home to help the lymphatic system. If additional mag?nesium is not contraindicated in their treatment plan, Epsom salt baths can help. Other bath products, par?ticularly those with ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) can assist in the additional removal of toxins and heavy metals. Baths may be incorporated into any protocol as it stimulates the elimination of toxins through the skin.

Since the skin is the largest organ of the immune sys?tem, daily brushing will be helpful. If dry brushing is too vigorous, then a wet loofa or vegetable brush is acceptable. One looks for progress that supports the patient, and doesn?t overwhelm them. Easy does it applies to every detoxification protocol when dealing with chronic conditions.

Walking, jumping on a little trampoline, and swim?ming are all exercises that stimulate lymphatic flow. Suggesting that a patient spend just 5 minutes will begin their active participation in moving lymphatic fluid. This can be increased to 5 minutes three times daily or even 15 minutes twice daily.

Even though our protocol looks like: colon first, liver second and lymph third, this is not a linear approach. One must always keep the colon working efficiently and effectively. One patient might only need to address their colon once per month whereas another might need weekly treatments. In some, the liver is so impaired they will need ongoing liver cleansing. When there are excessive endotoxins and exotoxins, lymphatic cleansing may be paramount. Consider weekly treat?ments with once monthly reflorastation as needed, and occasional liver support.

What is important is active evaluation of where the patient is today. Perhaps our final thought is this: What the body is not able to carry away must be treated first or simultaneously.

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About the Author

Victoria Bowmann, D.H.M., Ph.D., earned her doctorate in homeopathic medicine from the British Institute of Homeopathy and her Ph.D. in homeopathy and natural medicine from Westbrook University from Wierton, WV. She has been in private practice in Phoenix AZ since 1978 specializing in detoxification, cleansing, and the process of increased well being.

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e cleansing reactions such as: headache, light headedness, gassiness, and fatigue. It is important to give your body a chance to rest while it is cleansing at such a deep and comprehensive level. Exercise should be kept to a minimum on the first day with walking, jumping on a trampoline, or swimming encouraged should the patient feel the desire. This type of exercise will stimulate additional lymphatic cleansing. On the second day, the normal routine of exercise is encouraged with a caution to stop should the patient feel light headed or fatigued. Resting or napping gives the body additional energy to focus on the cleansing; and baths with epsom salt or other drawing herbs can soothe and support increased lymphatic cleansing through the skin. I suggest brushing the skin with a loofa during the bath to stimulate lymphatics and circulation especially to the extremities or areas of edema and adipose tissue. For those with coating on the tongue, brushing with a tongue cleaner will assist in supporting the digestive system.

I have found that two days of intensive cleansing is best followed with a few days of rejuvenation or revitalization. Its a matter of clean up and then build up, with these days being composed of a replacement shake for two meals and the consumption of one meal, either at lunch or dinner. The product I use is very nutrient dense having 242 nutrients, herbs, and antioxidants as well as an enzyme delivery system. In this way the nutrition is rapidly delivered to the cells. It is balanced in protein, carbohydrates, and fat with as many ingredients as possible being organic. The protein source is organic whey from grass fed cows in New Zealand. The protein has only .05% lactose so most patients with lactose sensitivity still handle this very well. It has the best immunoglobulin and amino acid profile available which protects muscle tissue and promotes dynamic muscle density and energy. Those who desire to lose weight will find their lean mass increases with the reduction in adiposity

The final two days are cleansing days, which are identical to the first two days I previously described. Upon the completion of a cleanse, patients generally remark about an increase in energy, less subjective pain, better sleep, a more even temperament, and improvement in certain body functions.
Patients who are on medication need to have their appropriate functions monitored. In some individuals, blood pressure will shift and normalize, cholesterol may lower, and blood sugar levels may change. It is important for these patients to communicate with their doctor frequently whenever their symptoms change.

For those patients who have excessive detoxification symptoms, I recommend one day of cleansing with 4 or 5 days of rejuvenation before moving on to two consecutive days of cleansing. In those patients who I suspect high exposure to chemicals, I often recommend one cleansing drink in the morning followed with a shake for breakfast and then two healthy meals for lunch and dinner. In this way, I can monitor the reactions and not detoxify them too quickly. Patients with a long history of prescription drug use are also suspect for increased cleansing symptoms. I may keep a patient at this level for 2 to 4 weeks before the 9 day system.

For those with large amount of weight to lose, I suggest two different approaches. For most rapid weight loss, to do 2 days of cleansing and 5 days of rejuvenation every week, repeating until goal weight is achieved. The second method is a 9 day cleanse followed by 21 days of maintenance and repeated until goal weight is achieved.

My easy does it approach lends sensitivity to my practice; as I am more concerned with long term results and patient’s personal commitment to a lifestyle change which will serve them well for years and decades to come.

The Effects of a New Food Technology on Body Composition, Body Systems and Blood Chemistries. Harper DO, McNeilis, DO, Watson, MD and Turner, DVM, MD. April 2003.
In a recent study of 100 patients ranging in age from 20 to 68 with an average weight of 235 pounds, the Null Hypothesis was that consumption of the food technology would have no significant effects on body composition, body systems review or blood chemistry.

Body composition results: The average weight loss was 7.6 pounds, 7.2 for women and 8.3 for men. The body mass index decreased 2.4 for women and 2.3 or men. Skin fold analysis involved 25 patients, two dropped out and one completed 8 days. The average total inches lost (from 13 areas measured) was 16.6 inches.

Basic Metabolic Profile: Serum measurements remained unchanged for sodium, potassium, blood urea, nitrogen, creatinine, chloride, carbon dioxide, calcium, and glucose. The one exception was average serum glucose which declined 11 gm/dl in men. Total cholesterol declined an average of 24 mg/dl in men and 14 mg/dl in women. Triglycerides decreased by 68 mg/dl in men and 25 mg/dl in women. LDL cholesterol dropped an average 13 mg/dl in men and 7 mg/dl in women. HDL cholesterol declined 0.7 mg/dl in women but increased 1.3 mg/dl in men.

Body Systems Review: A questionnaire consisting of 175 questions divided into groups were graded from 0 (no problem) to 3 (severe problem). The systems groups were labeled neurological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, respiratory, urinary tract, skin, and gynecological. Each subset was totaled. There was an 11 point decrease in somatic complains and a better overall sense of well being. The most changed review of symptoms was neurological/psychological, with mood improving the most.
In the closing discussion, the study noted the safety of the system tested, as the electrolytes, renal function, and serum calcium remained stable. Lean body mass was generally preserved, blood sugars were stabilized and lipids levels improved. Body composition was markedly improved with significant decrease in weight and body fat percentages. The conclusion was that the total inches lost was a measure of the total body fat lost as indicated by the drop in the body mass index.

Subjectively, subjects reported more energy, a more even temperament, less subjective pain, and improvements in several of the body system groups.

Case Studies

Case Hx: SL, 46 yo female; 5’0”; 289 pounds;

Family Hx includes obesity and diabetes. Her maternal grandmother died of a febrile stroke at 48 yo, although she was not overweight.

This patient had 2 C sections. Her blood pressure was typically maintained at 158/80, on three medications. She had tried most every advertized dietary program and had the typical yo-yo effect. She was scheduled for gastric bypass when she became aware of the possibilities for weight loss through cleansing.

Symptoms included sleep apnea, edema in the legs and feet, and numbness in the feet. Her arches had broken down and her feet hurt when slipped into shoes. She was able to walk 50’ without shortness of breath but could not manage stairs. She regularly swam.

She began the cleanse on 4/20/03 at 289 pounds.

She says her energy is unbelieveable high, with an increase in her emotional sense of well being. Her doctor has noted there is no further edema or low back pain. He has set her goal weight at 135 pounds.

Over the holidays, there were stressful times which she recognized she handled easily and successfully. She also remarked that she will continue to cleanse because of how good she feels and that the weight loss has become a secondary side benefit although it was initially her motivating factor.

Case Hx: SE, 50 yo female; 5’5”; 132 pounds

Family Hx includes Alzheimer's and father with colon CA. Her physician thinks solvents and chemicals are as great a risk factor for Alzheimer's as a heavy metal load. She had her amalgams removed in 1985. Surgery includes removal of one fallopian tube due to an ectopic pregnancy and one ovary because of an ovarian cyst.

She has done one 9 day cleanse every month and then 21 days of maintenance. Lab tests (which follows) were taken after 10 months of cleansing. Her weight is now 125 pounds.

Lab results: Accu-Chem laboratories tested:

Conclusion:
As holistic practitioners, it is our responsibility to present methods which will reduce the probability of morbidity in our patients. The cleansing of our immediate environment (our body) is a safeguard against the damaging effects of the environment in which we live. Cleansing is a viable modality worth exploring for ourselves and our patients.

Explore! for the Professional
More articles by Victoria Bowmann, D.H.M., Ph.D.


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