The practice of body detoxification has long been cultivated in medical and spiritual traditions. Ancient civilisations used bloodletting or leeches to remove the toxic “humours” in the body, whether they originated from blood, bile, or phlegm. The ancient Indian medical system, known as Ayurveda, included a practice of cleansing known as panchakarma, which used sweating, herbs, oils, and massage for body purification. In spiritual traditions, fasting, sweat lodges, and giving up certain foods or eating at certain times have been implemented as part of the belief systems.
In the 21st century, body detoxification has taken on many meanings, from alcohol and drug detox to purging the body of environmental contaminants like heavy metals, plastics, phthalates, and pesticides. There are many modalities proposed to help facilitate the release of these toxins…
