The Bad News: Our bodies were not meant to be toxic dumps for PCBs, DDT, etc., yet, much of the food and water we consume still contains dangerous toxins. Many scientists now conclude that these dangerous fat-soluble (lipophilic) toxins accumulate in the body and contribute to hormone disruption, immune system suppression, reproductive disorders, several types of cancer, and other diseases, such as allergies.
To make matters worse, there has never before been a known way to remove these toxins from the body without dangerous side-effects.
If the mind and body are intimately connected, then what effect do you suppose these dangerous toxins have on our ability to completely relax and enjoy life?
The Good News: A recent scientific study conducted on panchakarma, an ancient ayurvedic purification procedure, showed a reduction of about 50 percent on certain fat-soluble toxins after an average of five days of treatment. Robert Herron, Ph.D., the lead author of the study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, points out that this is the first published study on humans to demonstrate that a specific detoxification regimen can significantly reduce levels of lipophilic toxins in the blood. These toxins are known to be associated with chronic disorders.
The Great News: Dr. Herron’s research was conducted right here in the Midwest at a unique and award-winning health spa – The Raj Ayurveda Health Spa, in Vedic City, Iowa. The procedures were not only effective, but also designed to bring about profound relaxation.
Ancient solution to a modern problem?
Dr. Herron’s study shows that toxic occupational and agricultural chemicals can be significantly reduced by a purification procedure of Maharishi Ayurveda. Maharishi Ayurveda is the 5,000-year-old health science of Ayurveda, modernly restored by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and leading Ayurvedic doctors, or vaidyas, from India.
The results of the two-month longitudinal study showed that PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) and Beta-HCH (a compound in the pesticide lindane) levels were reduced by 46 percent and 58 percent respectively in the Maharishi Ayurveda detoxification group. On the other hand, without this detox program, the expected drop in PCBs and Beta-HCH over a two-month period would only be a fraction of 1 percent.
Previously, no method had been scientifically verified to reduce levels of these fat-soluble toxins in the human body without causing negative side effects.
Why is this therapy unique?
There are two general categories of toxins found in the human body: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Most of the chemicals that have been linked with cancer and many other disorders are fat-soluble toxins, such as PCBs, PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ether, a common flame retardant used in a wide variety of products) and numerous pesticides.
Many people think they are getting rid of toxins from their bodies using other methods. Water-soluble toxins can be reduced substantially through steam baths, saunas, aerobic exercise and other activities that cause massive perspiration, providing that the person also continues to drink large amounts of water. Unfortunately, these "sweat it out" strategies do little to remove the fat-soluble toxins. Several modalities in the Maharishi Ayurveda detoxification procedure use lipophilic materials, which are non-toxic in nature, such as clarified butter, along with herbalized sesame oil massages and other treatments. These traditional methods loosen and remove fat-soluble toxins from their deposited sites and stimulate their elimination.
According to Dr. Herron, the findings were quite striking, given that these toxins normally remain in the physiology for many years, yet this comprehensive detoxification procedure removed them in just a few days.
Effective yet luxurious treatments
The Maharishi Ayurveda detoxification program offered at The Raj is both effective and luxurious. Guests receive an individually prescribed combination of treatments designed to bring about detoxification, balance and rejuvenation. A three-to-one staff/guest ratio ensures maximum individual care. A typical day at The Raj may include some of the following ayurveda treatments:
• An herbalized oil massage (abhyanga), performed synchronously by two massage therapists, promoting the penetration of oils through the lipid barrier of cell walls, thus replacing old toxin lipid molecules with fresh, new ones.
• An herbalized steam treatment, or swedena. Using a special heat chamber that allows the head to remain cool, this herbalized steam bath opens up the channels of the body and allows the loosened impurities to move into the digestive tract in readiness for their removal by internal cleansing procedures.
• A treatment known as shirodhara involving a soothing, continuous flow of herbalized oil poured slowly and gently across the forehead, thereby settling and balancing the nervous system. The effect is delightful and many guests experience profound relaxation during this treatment.
• A luxurious oil treatment known as pizzichilli involving two therapists pouring a constant flow of warm herbalized oil over the entire body, giving the ultimate experience of deep relaxation. The oil penetrates deeply into the bodily tissues, also softening and mobilizing impurities.
Treatments will vary from day to day depending on individual needs. The treatment rooms for men and women are located in separate clinic wings and experienced ayurveda therapists perform all treatments. As stress, fatigue and toxins are removed, and as balance is restored, the body’s natural healing abilities are re-enlivened.
"The experience is beyond incredible," says writer Sharon Kaufman. "It was easy to forget that each of these treatments is oriented towards maximizing health, since it so completely pampering! By my second day, I began to notice that tension and imbalance seemed to be lifted from my body. I felt renewed, refreshed, with a clearer peace of mind, and it was like nothing I’ve felt before."
Eliminate toxins at The Raj
The amount of environmental toxins we are exposed to present a continuous challenge to our immune system and overall health. But now there is something we can do to remove these unwanted toxins and prevent the various diseases and disorders they often lead to. The Raj Toxin Detox program provides profound detoxification and healing in a gentle, refined and nourishing environment, leaving your body and nervous system freed from toxins and able to enjoy deeper states of relaxation.
For more information on this research, call The Raj Ayurveda Health Spa at toll-free 1 (800) 864-8714, ext. 5100. Visit www.theraj.com
