Prerequisites
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 (16:06:17)

Posted by Cougar

Prerequisites
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1. General Prerequisites
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a. Locate an experienced holistic healing practitioner to
discuss these detoxification techniques with. There may be
contraindications for you performing a specific detoxification
technique. Please consult your chosen healthcare practitioner.
These instructions are only meant as ideas to discuss with
your practitioner and not meant as a recommendation.

b. If you feel that you are significantly overweight (i.e., more
than 40 pounds/18 kg over your ideal weight), then it is often
much better to do the following *before* you attempt a
detoxification technique:

i. Stabilized your diet so that it is close to a natural
foods diet as described in the "Food and Nutrition"
chapter.

ii. Learn and practice Yoga and breathing exercises
regularly as described in the "Yoga" chapter. If you
can practice a moderate amount of aerobic exercise, find
exercise that you really enjoy and do it.

iii. Concentrate heavily on enjoying yourself and nurturing
yourself.


When you have stabalized in a reasonably healthy lifestyle,
then you will be ready to do the following:

v. Throw out your scale! The detoxification techniques are
*never* used to lose weight. If you happen to lose weight,
it may be considered an added bonus. However, some
people gain a little weight during and after the detox.
Detox techniques are used for *healing*. Consciously
or subconsciously letting your emotions "ride" on your
current weight is likely to lead to major difficulties.

vi. Discuss with your practitioner what detox technique would
suit your condition. It's usually best to begin with a
non-extreme detox if you are overweight (i.e., Arise &
Shine precleanse).

vii. Do not expect huge changes from a simple detox
technique. However, you may find that the simple detox
techniques will lead to a more permanent healing and weight
loss (eventually) than had you started with a more powerful
detox techniques (which you can try at a later date).

In some cases such as moderate to severe pain, chemical
exposure, extremely poor digestion, poorly functioning GI Tract
or liver, etc., a detox may be performed right away to reduce
the symptoms significantly. It must be remembered however,
that *permanent* weight loss will come not from the detox
technique, but from a gradual change in lifestyle after the detox.
It is really a decision for a practitioner as to whether you
should detox immediately or not. It will probably be okay
either way you go (as long as you concentrate on ideas i. - iv.
above) after the detox.

c. Pre-Cleanse Lifestyle Changes
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In most cases it is helpful to spend at least a couple of
months before your first cleanse making gradual positive
lifestyle changes in the following areas:

i. Food and Nutrition
ii. Enjoying Life / Nurturing Yourself regularly
iii. Building Self-Acceptance / Self-Love
iv. Considering the Avoidance of Toxic Substances
v. Yoga and/or Breathing Exercises

If you decide to begin a cleanse immediately, then you should
consider making these lifestyles changes *gradually* after the
cleanse.