Feeling sluggish or out-of-sync? Having skin problems, aches and pains, or digestive problems? Straying from your healthier habits lately? It might be time to change all that.

Practiced for centuries in many cultures around the world, including Thai, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine systems, purification is about resting, cleaning and nourishing the body from the inside out. By removing and eliminating toxins and then feeding your body with healthy nutrients, purification can help protect you from disease and renew your ability to maintain optimum health and vitality.

"Purification works because it addresses the needs of individual cells, the smallest units of human life," says Dr. Michelle Stoner of Harvard University.

A purification program can help the body's natural cleaning process by:

• Resting the organs through juice fasting, allowing healing to take place


• Stimulating the liver to drive toxins from the body


• Promoting elimination through the intestines, kidneys and skin


• Improving circulation of the blood


• Refueling the body with healthy nutrients.

How do you know if you need to purify?

We suggest that everyone should purify their system at least once a year if not 3 or 4 times depending on your lifestyle and working environment. Short purification programs are generally safe. In fact, scientific studies show that purification is beneficial for health. Moreover, many patients with chronic degenerative diseases, cancer or tuberculosis have found incredible health after taking on a simple purification program. Many have been lead to health for the first time in many years. Nursing mothers and children must take into account cautions against purification.

Today, with more toxins in the environment than ever, "it's critical to purify our systems," says Dr. Bruce Fife, N.D., Ph.D., the author of Coconut Water for Health and Healing (Piccadilly Books, Ltd.). Dr. Fife recommends purification for symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, sluggish elimination, irritated skin, allergies or low-grade infections, bags under the eyes, a distended stomach even if the rest of your body is thin, menstrual difficulties, or mental confusion.

Where do you begin?

First, lighten up your toxin load. Eliminate alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, refined sugars and saturated fats, all of which act as toxins in the body and are obstacles to your healing process. Also, minimize the use of chemical-based household cleaners and personal care products (cleansers, shampoos, deodorants and toothpastes). Substitute natural alternatives instead.

Another deterrent to good health is stress - which triggers your body to release stress hormones into your system. While these hormones can provide the adrenaline rush to win a race or meet a deadline, large amounts create toxins and slow down detoxification enzymes in the liver. Massage, yoga and meditation are simple and effective ways to relieve stress by resetting your physical and mental reactions to the inevitable stress life will bring.

Which purification program is best for you?

There are many purification and detoxification programs, so it depends on your individual needs. Many programs follow an 8-day schedule because, as Dr. Fife explains, "it takes the body some time to cleanse the blood." He recommends programs that involve coconut water fasting for 8 days followed by a carefully-planned diet to allow the digestive system to rest. He also advises herbs, exercise and practices to enhance circulation, such as dry-skin brushing and hydrotherapy.

As an effective way to release toxins, I recommend a 3-day raw fruit and vegetable diet followed by drinking coconut water, fresh fruit and vegetable juices and as much pure water as you wish. It's always wise to use herbs and a jolly good exercise routine to soften the old matter that may be trapped on the walls of the colon. Thai massage is also of real benefit during this time as it gently opens your meridian lines and allows your chi to flow.

The most important point to remember is to do something. Even if you don't start by entering into some form of purification program, get up and just go for a walk. Move your body. Don't just sit there in a pool of toxins waiting to be sick.