Prerequisites
-------------

1.  General Prerequisites
    ---------------------

    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
        -----------------------------
        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.