By now, everyone has heard the word “detox.” Maybe you’ve seen a detox diet program, or heard of teas and herbs that help the body detox. Perhaps you’ve been tempted to drink a concoction of Epsom salt and lemon juice and olive oil to detox your liver. Every time a new year rolls around, social media and health websites are loaded with articles about detox, “cleaning up,” and “starting over” for the new year. Today’s article will explore the differences between detoxification and another method called Biotherapeutic Drainage.
Organs Involved with Detox & Drainage
Our bodies are naturally designed to eliminate toxins. Several organs are involved with this process. These organs of elimination are known as emunctories. Our primary emunctories include the liver, kidneys, and lungs. These three organs work as filter systems in the body. Other organs and systems are also involved with elimination of toxins, such as the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, and other mucus membranes. If our primary emunctories are not working efficiently, the body will rely secondarily on the GI tract, the skin, and other methods to eliminate toxins.
The Liver
The liver breaks down drugs and chemicals that enter the body, and plays a crucial role in nutrient metabolism. The liver is where bile is produced, an essential substance for us to digest fats. A healthy liver ensures adequate hormone production, immune system function, and overall digestive health.
The Kidneys
The kidneys play a role in eliminating water-soluble waste. They are fine-tuned machines capable of filtering approximately 200 liters of blood each day, and eliminating waste products through the urine. They play an active role in blood pressure regulation, as well as hormone production.
The Lungs
The lungs are a site of gas exchange. We breathe in oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide in the lungs. After leaving the heart, our blood travels to the lungs to pick up oxygen molecules. This oxygenated blood then travels throughout the body to nourish the tissues and organs. Proper breathing and lung function ensures healthy oxygen exchange, and can help to maintain proper pH balance in the body.
What is Detoxification?
Simply put, this is the process of removing toxic substances from the body. In the medical world, this is sometimes accomplished by aggressive means that push the body past its physiological limits. Some examples of detox therapies you may be familiar with include IV chelation or laxatives.
What is Drainage?
Drainage is a gentle action that enables the body to eliminate toxins, without aggression and without pushing the body past its physiologic limits. It restores normal function to the primary and secondary emunctories, allowing the body to function as it is intended.
Some key points about drainage:
- Drainage involves the cleansing of the body to enable it to self-regulate
- Drainage helps return the body to its intended state of health and vitality
- Drainage gets rid of toxins that are both inside and outside our cells
- Drainage therapy can be used in combination with other treatments and is not contraindicated with any medications
What Medicines or Supplements are used with Drainage?
Drainage therapy utilizes remedies called UNDA Numbered Compounds. These were developed in Belgium in the 1930s. They are liquid homeopathic preparations of various plants and minerals. The plants target specific organ systems, and the minerals work as co-factors for enzymes in organs. There are 76 different remedies, and they are usually prescribed in combinations of three different remedies.
UNDA Numbered Compounds are drainage remedies. They are different from traditional detoxification therapies because they honor the body and do not push it past its limits. They are extremely safe to use in any population, including infants, pregnant mothers, and patients with cancer.
Is Drainage for me?
We live in a toxic world. We are constantly exposed to harmful chemicals in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, and the personal and cleaning products we use. There are over 80,000 chemicals registered by the EPA. Nearly 4,000 of these are considered “high-use” chemicals. Only a small fraction of these chemicals have been evaluated for their toxic effects on adults and children.
Drainage is definitely for you if suffer from:
- Fatigue, pain, or headaches
- Mood changes including anxiety or depression
- Brain fog and reduced memory
- Nerve pain, tremors, or problems with balance
- Immune system dysfunction
- Digestive problems including bloating, constipation, gas, or nausea
- Hormone imbalance
- Skin problems
Dr. Bradford has been trained in the use of UNDA Numbered Compounds and other methods of Drainage. Make an appointment today to fill out your FREE toxicity questionnaire and start feeling better!
This post was originally written by Dr. Bradford for his office in Gilbert, AZ. Read it on their website here.
Comments (1)
Thank you for a very clear and succinct explanation of the difference between drainage and detoxification. I have really enjoyed reading this article. What a bout flushing and cleansing? How do they relate to drainage and detoxification?