Barney Garcia asked:


If you have been looking around for the information about detoxing, you might have found these words many a places that “detox begins with the healthy bowels”.

Having a regular and healthy bowel movement is the precondition for a problem free life. It is the bowels that are the most potent source of toxins in the body. So at any cost, we should keep the bowels clean, otherwise the whole body will be toxified once again.

Now in the extreme cases of toxicity, tools like ****** or colonic irrigations are used to displace the long impacted fecal matters from the walls of colon and intestine.

But without going through these procedures, you can get the same result through diet. Only it may take a bit longer to produce the same effect as an ***** or colonic. Following a detox diet, the normal flora in the intestines may be completely washed out. You should be extremely patient in helping the bowel regenerate them with the help of probiotics to restore that balance.

Constipation and irregular or slow bowel movements are the result of unthinking loading of wrong foods and sedentary lifestyle. If the wastes are not eliminated adequately, the toxins remain in the body and are reabsorbed by the liver for recycling and elimination. This increased toxic level does not only raise the cholesterol level, it also leads to the growth of pathogenic microorganisms which soon outnumber the natural bowel floras.

But once the bowels starts to move properly again, everything else will fall into other things are taken care of.

The simplest way to induce the bowels moving once again is by consuming a high fiber diet. High fiber diet typically consists of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you want to increase the fiber content of your diet, you can have psyllium husk powder by mixing it in one glass of water. The additional fiber contents in the food add volume to the stool on the one hand and on the other hand it helps to reduce the time of bowel movement. This results in better and more toxin elimination. As more amount of toxins start to be flushed out from the system, the overall health improves.

The herbals provide the best solution for improving the bowel functions. There are many types of herbal bowel cleansers. Some of them work as bowel stimulants. Others work as laxatives.

As for example, the slippery elm is a good laxative, while the herbs like cascara sagrada or aloes and senna act as the bowel stimulant.

Herbal bowel combination formulas are considered to be the ideal solution for bowel cleansing, for these products not only encourage the bowels to move, but nourish the natural floras so that bowels resume their normal movement on their own.

Chiva-Som International Health Resort asked:

Holistic remedies help thousands of people worldwide to overcome problems ranging from more serious diseases to the common cold. Holistic Therapist Nitchara Yimsuk answers some frequently asked questions, and tips us off about a versatile treatment called moxibustion.

What does holistic mean?

In holistic treatments we look at the whole person – physical, emotional and spiritual – rather than just treating the symptoms of the problem. We consider a person’s mind and body, diet and exercise, lifestyle and relationships, work and leisure, achievements and problems. Imbalances in any of these areas can contribute to illness.

Where do holistic treatments come from?

Holistic medicine is also known as alternative, integrative or complementary medicine, as it complements conventional practices. It may include, but is not limited to, the following disciplines: spiritual, religious, newly developed approaches to healing or pre-modern medical traditions. Chinese medicine, for instance, follows the holistic principle.

How do they work?

There are many approaches, from energy healing to the use of natural and plant products. The Taoist principles, on which Chinese medicine is based, stress the oneness of everything, the inseparability of solid matter and energy, the fact that there is a common source of all phenomena and experience.

What are some of Chiva-Som’s most popular holistic treatments?

The Detox Retreat is popular. It includes the Cleansing Diet, Colonic Hydrotherapy, Chi Nei Tsang and Acupressure Reflexology. Also high on the list are Flower Essence, Homeopathy and Moxibustion.

What is Moxibustion?

It’s a treatment from Traditional Chinese Medicine in which the herb Moxa Punk is burned on or above the skin at acupuncture points. Sometimes we use other herbs.

How does it work?

The heat warms the blood and the qi (the life force), which improves the flow within the energy channels of the body. Sometimes Moxibustion is recommended as a stand-alone treatment, at others it has a synergistic effect with acupuncture.

Why is it so effective?

The Moxa leaf is bitter and acrid and its nature is pure Yang. Depending on the amount used it produces a gentle warmth or a strong heat and expels cold and dampness.

What is Moxibustion recommended for?

It’s varied. It may be used in the treatment of acute diseases, cold syndromes, diseases of the channel and exterior syndromes, or chronic syndromes and diseases of the viscera (the internal organs). It’s frequently applied in treating arthralgia due to wind-cold-dampness. Also Yang collapse syndrome; Chronic Dysentery, Asthma, Phlegm Retention and Flaccidity Syndrome. It’s also good for some external syndromes, such as carbuncles and the common cold. Additionally, it can work in general health maintenance and disease prevention.

We hear it’s also useful in pregnancies?

Yes, Moxibustion has been used for centuries in China to turn breech babies. The theory behind this practice is that the heat travels up the bladder meridian, which is linked to the uterus. Additionally, it’s useful in treating some Gynaecological Diseases – such as Dysmenorrhea, Prolapse of the uterus, and Leucorrhoea – and Infantile Diseases, including Enuresis and Diarrhoea. Moxibustion is very versatile.

What are the latest holistic treatments that Chiva-Som is offering?

Vacuum-Cupping Massage and the Emotional Freedom technique are both new, and also Maya Massage, which is part of the Detox Retreat offered in the Spa.

How can people find out more about these remedies?

They can consult the website (www.chivasom.com), where there’s a list of holistic treatments and a brief description of each, or they can visit us here at Chiva-Som. All guests are welcome, and we are willing to make initial consultations for every individual who comes.

Our team of Naturopath Doctors and Practitioners work in a very secluded and peaceful environment.